i ^gs^ g g^^;asiaffl^x!«a^o^ ( 



I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

§ 






Shelf 



±- 



$ UNITED STATES OF 



3 




DAT BY DAT: 



BEING A COMPILATION 



FROM THE WRITINGS OF 



ANCIENT AND MODERN FRIENDS, 



11 



BT 






/ 



WILLIAM HENRY CHASE. 



The kingdom of God is not in word but in power."— 



AUBURN : 

DENNIS BRO'S & CO., PUBLISHERS 

1869. 







<$i 



qb 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by 

DENNIS BRCTS & CO., 

in *he Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Northern District of 

New York. 



DENNIS BRO'S & CO., W. J. MOSES, 

STBREOTYPERS, AUBURN, N. Y. BOOKBINDER, AUBURN, N. T. 



PBEFACE. 



FROM an apprehension of duty, I enter the wide 
and extended field, stretching over more than two 
centuries, to glean from the abundant harvest of other 
men's labors those precious gems of thought which are 
strewed over this period of time. 

In undertaking this labor of love, I feel " the glean- 
ing of the grapes of Ephraim is better than the 
vintage of Abi-ezer ; " * or, in other w r ords, that the most 
humble work in the Lord's service is of vastly more im- 
portance than the most elaborate effort of the highest 
genius, which may have only for its object the amuse- 
ment of the fleeting hour. 

A gleaner, therefore, and nothing more, do I lay claim 
to be ; but if I have gleaned well, and presented to my 
beloved Friends, and my Christian brethren of other re- 
ligious denominations, a work which they may profitably 
read " Day by Day" I shall be abundantly repaid. The 
latter class I would respectfully invite to read the follow- 
ing pages, by which we may be drawn nearer together in 
the Lord. 

The material for a book like this is ample. 

In searching the annals of the Society of Friends, I 

* Judges viii. 2. 



IV PREFACE. 

have been impressed with the conviction that it was the 
Lord, and not man, who caused the last wave of the 
Reformation to break on the shores of time so calmly 
and silently, that it cast not up the passions of men, like 
" mire and dirt," but lulled them into a sweet repose. 

There is an unbroken chain of identity in faith and 
doctrine running through our portion of the Church of 
Christ from its earliest history to the present time ; the 
expression of George Fox covers the ground upon which 
we stand — "We are nothing; Christ is all." 

Thus actuated, we desire that the Redeemer's kingdom 
on earth may more widely spread and prevail, and that we 
may beware of innovations which truth does not dictate. 

As we assemble daily for the family reading of a por- 
tion of Holy Scripture, I am not without hope that the 
perusal of these extracts may tend, at least in measure, 
to cause us to have our thoughts frequently directed in 
the same profitable channel. 

Though absent in body, we should be present in spirit, 
while a Fox, a Barclay, a Grellet, a Gurney, or some 
other worthy Friend, would be our companion for a 
short time each day in the year. 

To my young friends into whose hands this book may 
fall, I sincerely desire it may be an incentive to ac- 
quaint themselves more with the history and literature 
of the Society of Friends, which evince how large a 
share the young had in promoting the cause of righteous- 
ness in the early period of the Society, and how much 
they had to suffer for the maintenance of those principles 



PREFACE. V 

and doctrines which too many now esteem of little 
value. 

The aid of the young is essential to the prosperity of 
our beloved Society, and it is very encouraging to those 
further advanced in life to witness the co-operation of 
these in turning their back " upon a world lying in wick- 
edness, " and seeking the " pearl of great price. " With 
earnest prayers that this compilation may accomplish 
the object intended, I commend it to the favorable notice 
of those of the same household of faith with myself, 
and to all icho love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. 

William Henry Chase. 

Union Springs, Cayi t ga Co., N. Y. 



INDEX. 



Allen, Margaret 55 

Alexander, Mary 49, 295 

Allen, John. . .31, 97, 207, 232, 256, 301, 
310. 

Allen, William 12, 1S2, 183 

Atkins, Esther 57 

Barclay, John 13, 78, 91, 109, 123, 

144, 1G4, 204, 250, 292. 
Barclay, Robert 5, 15, 99, 213, 240, 

258, 237, 313, 328, 34S. • 
Burrough, Edward 146, 205, 230, 

279, 341. 

Backhouse, Ann 56 

Backhouse, Jonathan 110, 356, 362 

Bowden, James 107 

Backhouse, Hannah C. . .185, 267, 252, 

299, 342. 

Bownas, Sanrl 40, 71, 102, 249, 290 

Bettle, Jane 243 

Crisp. S 312 

Churchman, John 25, 53, 226, 251 

Crouch, William 26 

Corder, Susanna 50 

Chalkly, Thomas.... 22. 37. 51, 66, 105, 
159, 238, 252, 266, 2S1. 294. 

Capper, Mary 106, 132, 133, 138 

Conron, John . . .112, 124, 1.54, 200. 227 

Congdon, James, Clerk 195. 222 

Crook, John 2S0 

Collins, Elizabeth 69 

Caton, William 176 

Davies, Richard 52 

Dudley, Charlotte.. .187, 202, 231, 278, 
322, 344. 

Dudley, Elizabeth 203, 345 

Dymond, Jonathan 269, 285 

Dillwyn, George 153, 216. 332 



Evans, Jonathan 35 

Ellwood, Thomas 82, 85, 86, 87, 88 

Ellis, William 284 

Evans, Thomas 29, 268, 296, 360 

Fox, George 1, 63, 75, 147, 148, 149. 150 
151, 161, 162, 217, 275, 8, 43. 

Forster, William 6, 7 

Fox, Margaret 21, 273 

Ferris, David 39, 121 

Fry, Elisabeth 160, 246, 298 

Fothergill, Dr. 1 28 

Fothergill, John 169 

Fox, Maria 23, 174, 271 

Gurney, J. J. . . .3, 74, 84, 201, 228, 253, 

254, 265, 274, 277, 300, 306. 336, 

349. 
Grellet, Stephen 16, 47, 72, 76, 

131, 194, 248. 
Gurney, Elisabeth. . . .41, 127, 156, 229, 

255. 

Gurney, Priscilla 58, 77, 108 

Gurney, Hannah C 184 

Grubb* Sarah 309, 319, 359 

Gwinn, Thomas 270 

Gilpin, M. A 79. 179, 326, 327 

Hutchinson, Jonathan. . . .65, 211, 220, 
241, 259, 304, 305, 311, 314, 324. 
334, 347, 350. 

Hagger, Mary 90, 119, 134 

Howland, George 120, 141 

Hull, Henry 260, 261, 262, 263 

Hunt, Nathan 191, 223 

Jordan, Richard 18 

Jones, Rebecca 233, 234, 235, 237. 

257. 302, 333, 346. 

Jaffray , Alexander 188, 257, 323 

Jewsburv. M. J 297, 338 



VI u 



INDEX, 



King, Elisabeth T 215 

London Epistle 11, 14, 42, 45, 73, 

170, 221, 283. 

Lcdra, William 44 

Loe, Thomas 193 

Lewis, Enoch 17, 92 

Murray, Lindley 19 

Middleton, Maria 145, 168 

Merritt, Anna 177 

Marshall, Chas 48 

Mott, A 239 

Neale, Sam'l 242, 264, 318 

Naylor, James 27 

Nicholson, E 335 

Penington, Isaac 2, 4. 142. 340 

Parnell, James. .122, 180, 210, 303, 339 
Penn, William 40, 64, 80, 98, 152, 

165, 244. 

Pemberton, John 60 

Pease, Rachel 68, 330 

Proude, Mary 137, 138, 139 

Penns and Peningtons 94, 93, 96 

140, 143, 180. 

Penington, Mary 157, 158 

Phillips, Catharine 129, 208, 272 

Payton, Catharine 236, 327 

Pcisley, Mary 315, 316, 317 

Pike, Joseph 172 

Kobson, Elizabeth 70 

Routh, John 171 

Routh, Alice 286 



Reynolds, Richard 103, 2S9, 320 

Story, Thomas. .329, 354, 358, 363, 364, 

365. 
Shillitoe, Thos 89, 344, 351, 352, 353, 355 

Sands, David 20, 33, 62, 178 

Shackleton, Richard. . . .10, 30, 83, 111, 

125, 155, 219, 245, 276, 308, 321, 

337. 

Samble, Richard 126 

Smith, Thomas 166, 167 

Stephenson, Isaac 173 

Scott, Job 198, 225 

Savery, Wm 51, 206, 212, 307 

Scattergood, Thomas 331, 357 

Springett, Mary 93 

Taber, Elizabeth 214 

Tallcot, Joseph 197 

Tallcot, J. and S 36 

Taylor, Charles 343 

Woods, Margaret, 9, 38, 100, 101, 

123, 163, 209, 218, 288, 361. 

White, Joseph 24 

Whitehead, George.. .34, 104, 135, 330 

Woolman, John 61, 130, 181, 199, 

224, 291. 

Withy, George 67 

Wheeler, Daniel 113, 114, 115, 116, 

117, 118, 175, 189, 190, 192. 
Waring, S 325 

Yeardley, Elizabeth 32 

Yeardley, Martha 59, 81 

Yeardley. John 196, 247, 293 



INTRODUCTORY LETTER. 



INTRODUCTORY LETTER FROM JOHN G. 
WHITTIER. 



William H. Chase — 

My Deab Friend : I cannot well deny myself the plea- 
sure of telling thee that I have been looking over thy little 
book, " Day by Day," with much satisfaction. It seems 
to me to have been carefully and conscientiously compiled ; 
well calculated to do good in family readings ; and to 
call attention to the precious fields of religious literature 
from which its contents have been gleaned. In giving 
special pre-eminence to the best thoughts of members of 
our religious society, it shows what a valuable legacy our 
predecessors have bequeathed to us. I have long wished 
to see the writings of these worthies better known, and 
appreciated. A wide range of miscellaneous reading in 
every department of literature has not diminished my 
interest in, and love for, the works of early Friends — Penn, 
Barclay, Sewell, Story, — the wonderful journal and epis- 
tles of George Fox, and that sweetest and purest of all 
books outside of the Holy Scriptures, the Life of John 
Woolman. Hoping that thy book may have a wide cir- 
culation, and that the object of its compilation may be 
realized in the promotion of truth and righteousness, 
I am very truly thy friend, 

John G. Whittier. 

Amesbitry, Mass., 6th Month 20, 1869. 



First Month 1.] DAILY READINGS. 



" Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the 
Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." — Hebrews iii. 1. 

TO all my dear friends and brethren, everywhere. He 
that hath the Son of God, hath life ; all that have 
not the Son of God, have not life. The Son of God is 
He who makes free from all sin, and is come to deface 
and destroy the image of the devil, and to renew us up 
in the image of God, and so to bring us to walk in 
righteousness. Praises be unto the glorious God for 
ever, who has sent his Son into the world to take away 
the sins of the world. 

And all friends walk worthy of your calling in all 
holiness, for holiness becomes the saints ; without holi- 
ness no man shall see the Lord. And every one improve 
your talents, laboring in the vineyard, dressing in the 
Lord's vineyard, that ye may be found faithful servants, 
and all walking in love to God and to one another. Lo, 
God Almighty be with you all ! The dew of heaven is 
falling upon you to water the tender plants ; and the 
blessing of God be amongst you, which showers down 
amongst you ! The heavenly joy fill your hearts, and 
comfort you in the inward man in all tribulations. The 
glorious light is shining ; the immortal is springing forth 
out of death ; the prisoners have hope of their pardon 
the debt being paid and they freely purchased by Christ's 
blood ; and He is come into the prison houses ; the pris^ 
oners begin to sing in hope of their eternal freedom, 
leaping for joy of heart ; and the dumb tongue shall sing 
praises. — George Fox, 1653. 



2 DAILY READINGS. 



[First Month 2 



" And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love ; 
and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him. — First Epistle of 
John iv. 16. 



AND this my soul waits and cries after, even the full 
springing up of eternal love in my heart, and in 
the swallowing of me wholly into it, and the bringing 
of my soul wholly forth in it, that the life of God in its 
own perfect sweetness may fully run forth through this 
vessel, and not be at all tinctured by the vessel, but per- 
fectly tincture and change the vessel into its own nature ; 
and then shall no fault be found in my soul before the 
Lord, but the spotless life be fully enjoyed by me, and 
become a perfectly pleasant sacrifice to my God. Oh ! 
how sweet is love ! How pleasant is its nature ! How 
takingly doth it behave itself in every condition, upon 
every occasion, to every person, and about everything ! 
How tenderly, how readily doth it help and serve the 
-neanest ! How patiently, how meekly doth it bear all 
things, either from God or man, how unexpectedly 
soever they come, or how hard soever they seem ! How 
doth it believe, how doth it hope, how doth it excuse, 
how doth it cover even that which seemeth not to be 
excusable, and not fit to be covered ! How kind is it 
even in its interpretations and charges concerning mis- 
carriages ! It never overchargeth, it never grates upon 
the spirit of him whom it reprehends, it never hardens, 
it never provokes, but carrieth a meltingness and power 
of conviction with it. This is the nature of God. — Isaac 
Penington. 



First Month 3.] DAILY READINGS. 3 

" If the tree fall toward the South, or toward the North, in the place where 
the tree falleth, there it shall be.' 1 — Eccl. xi. 3. 

THAT there is a solemn meaning couched under this 
simple metaphor, no Christian can doubt. It seems 
to describe the change, so rapidly coming upon us all, of 
probation for eternal fixedness, when the awful sentence 
will be heard, " He that is unjust, let him be unjust still ; 
and he that is holy, let him be holy still ; and he that is 
filthy, let him be filthy still." * But the tree will not only 
lie as it falls ; it will also fall as it leans ; and the great 
question which every man ought to bring home to his own 
bosom, without a moment's delay, is this — What is the 
inclination of my soul ? Does it, w^ith all its affections, 
lean towards God, or from Him ? 

That the bent of all men, in their unregenerate state, is 
in the wrong direction, Scripture, experience, and history 
unite in bearing testimony. Man, by nature, is the child 
of wrath ; he has inherited from his first parents, in the 
fall, a proneness to sin ; and his distinguishing character- 
istic is the absence of that love to God which is absolutely 
indispensable to true virtue and happiness. 

Hence it follows, beyond all doubt or question, that we 
must " be born again," that we must undergo a radical 
and inward change before we can live to the glory of 
God in this world, or be fitted for the enjoyment of his 
presence in the world to come. " Except a man be born 
of water and of the spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of 
God." f — J. J. Gurney. 

* Eevelations xxii. 11. t John iii. 3-5. 



DAILY READINGS. ^ msT MoNTH 4. 



11 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.'" — John xiii. 17. 

WHAT is obedience? It is the subjection of the 
soul to the law of the Spirit; which subjec- 
tion floweth from, and is strengthened by love. To 
wait to know the mind of God, and perform his will in 
everything, through the virtue of the principle of life 
revealed within ; this is the obedience of faith. This is 
the obedience of the seed, conveyed into the creature by 
the seed, and it is made partaker of the seed. He is the 
son who naturally doth the will ; he is the faithful 
witness who testifies concerning the will ; yea, and he is 
the choice servant also. 

If I could obey in all things that God requires of me, 
yet that would not satisfy me, unless I felt obedience 
flow from the birth of his life in me. " My Father doth 
all things in me," saith Christ. This was Christ's com- 
fort. And to feel Christ do all in the soul, is the com- 
fort of every one that truly believes in him. 

True obedience, gospel obedience, is natural to the 
birth which is born of God. It is unnatural to the flesh, 
to man's wisdom, to deny himself and take up the cross ; 
but it is natural to the truth which is born of God's 
spirit. " That which is born of the Spirit, is Spirit ; " 
and it is natural to it to be conversant in, and exercised 
about, that which is spiritual. 

Honoring and pleasing, and answering the will of the 
Lord, is the proper aim of the truly obedient. Oh ! how 
do they delight to do the will of God ! " I have meat," 
saith Christ, "that ye know not of." — Isaac Penington. 



First Month 5.] • DAILY BEADINGS. 



" For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith ; and much 
people was added unto the Lord.' 1 — Acts xi. 24. 

AND, Oh blessed God ! Thou hast been graciously- 
pleased to begin a good work, a glorious work 
of righteousness, in our day and time. Blessed God and 
Father ! we humbly pray Thee, carry it on, and make it 
prosper. Prosper the souls of thy people in it, that they 
may be a growing, thriving, and increasing people in Thy 
holy ways, and in Thy blessed work ; and as Thou hast 
sown a precious seed, and planted a noble vine by Thine 
own almighty hand, and hast given us a root of life, the 
foundation of our faith, love, and obedience ; which foun- 
dation Thou hast laid in Zion. Lord, keep thy people 
sensible of it, that they may mind it, and wait upon 
Thee and be preserved in that root of life whence thy 
blessing is, that Thy people may partake of Thy 
blessing and grow up into the nature of that life, to 
bring forth fruit to Thee, to increase in faith and love, 
in obedience, and humility, and meekness ; that the life 
of true Christianity may be promoted and increased 
among thine heritage ; that they may live in it, and 
shine forth in it, as Thy workmanship, which Thou hast 
created in Christ Jesus unto faithfulness in all good 
works ; that they may walk in them. Our souls are 
deeply engaged to Thee, and we have cause to bless, and 
praise, and honor Thy great and excellent name ; and 
through Thy dear Son, to offer up praise and thanks- 
giving to Thy great and excellent Majesty. Amen. — 
Robert Barclay. 



6 DAILY READINGS, 



[Fikst Month 6. 



" It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. He sitteth alone and 
keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon hinl. ,, — Lam. iii. 27, 28. 

OMY God, the prayer of my heart at this time is 
that Thy hand may not spare, nor Thine eye pity, 
until Thou hast made me what Thou wouldst have me 
to be. Curb, I pray Thee, my rambling thoughts, when 
gathered from the world and the cares thereof to sit 
down in solemn silence as at Thy footstool. Grant me, 
O Lord, I beseech Thee, faith to believe in Thy sufficiency 
for every good thing, and my insufficiency for the same ; 
and to believe in the redemption from sin unto salvation, 
through Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom Thou made 
a little lower than the angels ; and sent Him into the 
world to be crucified for poor fallen man. 

Most glorious Father ! if I may but call Thee so, renew, 
if it be Thy ever-blessed will, my faith in Thee and in Thy 
ever-blessed Son, Jesus Christ ! And the prayer of my 
heart at this time is, that righteousness might cover the 
earth, even as the waters cover the sea. O ! blessed 
would be the day. Then, indeed, nation would no more 
rise up in war against nation, nor would the people learn 
war any more, which at this day is too sorrowfully the 
case. O ! the many thousands that have been slain, ay, 
and the tens of thousands, within these ten years, on the 
continent of Europe. O Lord, the prayer of my heart 
is, whilst I am writing, that if it be Thy blessed will, in 
Thy own time, which is the best time, and must be waited 
for before we can do anything aright, that Thou will extir- 
pate wars from every land. — Wm. Forster, 1798, aged 14. 



First Month 7.] DAILY READINGS. 



11 In the morning bow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand : 
for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they 
Doth shall be alike good."— Eccl. xi. 6. 

WE are deeply bowed before thee, O God, under a 
sense of what we are, and of thine infinite ma- 
jesty. Yea, we tremble inwardly when we look at our- 
selves, and contemplate what we are by nature, and 
what we should have been through sin, had not the Lord 
Jesus Christ appeared to wash away our defilements, our 
transgressions, our sins — our many and sad sins — in his 
precious blood ! These our sins — we confess in trem- 
bling of soul and utter abasement our most unworthy 
condition — stare us in the face ; but we pray that we 
may arise from this condition, and, as deeply humble 
and contrite penitents, cast ourselves on thy free mercy 
in Jesus — and run to the fountain ever open for sin and 
for uncleanness, and thus be restored to thy favor, and a 
measure of thy holy likeness. . Lord, look down upon 
this people ; regard its poverty, its low estate ; listen to 
thine elect who cry day and night before Thee. Have 
regard to those who weep before thine altar. And, Oh ! 
we ask all help, all strength, all wisdom, all peace, all 
love from Thee, the inexhaustible fountain of all thy pre- 
cious gifts. O, ever-glorious God, give us good hope, 
some soul-enlivening sense, that our sins, which are so 
many, have been washed away, have been cast behind 
Thee, no more to be remembered, for the sake of Him, 
our ever-living and sympathizing High Priest, the Lamb 
for ever glorified. — Wm. Forster, 1853, a^ed 69. 



8 DAILY READINGS. 



[First Month 8. 



" From the rising of the sun, even to the going down of the same, my Name 
shall be great among the gentiles ; and in every place incense shall be offered 
unto my Name, and a pure offering ; for my Name shall be great among the 
heathen, saith the Lord of hosts." — Mai. i. 11. 

" The Lord reigneth ; let the earth rejoice, let the multitudes of the isles be 
glad. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord, for the Lord taketh 
pleasure in his people. He will beautify the meek with salvation. ,, — Psalms 
xcvii ; xcviii ; cxlix, and cl. 

MY friends, who are gone or are going over to 
plant and make outward plantations in Amer- 
ica, keep your own plantations in your hearts, with the 
Spirit and Power of God, that your own vines and lilies 
be not hurt. And in all places where you do outwardly 
live and settle, invite all the Indians, and their kings, 
and have meetings with them or they with you ; so that 
you may make inward plantations with the light and 
power of God (the Gospel) and the grace, and truth, and 
spirit of Christ ; and with it you may answer the Light, 
and Truth, and Spirit of God, in the Indians, their kings 
and people ; and so by it you may make heavenly planta- 
tions in their hearts for the Lord, and beget them to 
God, that they may serve and worship Him, and spread 
his truth abroad ; and so that you all may be kept warm 
in God's love, power, and zeal for the honor of his name, 
" that his name may be great among the heathen," or 
gentiles ; and ye may see over, or be overseers with the 
Holy Ghost, which was before the unclean ghost got 
into man and woman. So with this Holy Ghost, you 
may see, and oversee, that the unclean ghost and his 
works may be kept out of the camp of God. — George 
Fox, 1682. 



First Month 9.] 



DAILY HEADINGS. 9 



"I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing." — 
Psalm ci. 1. 

THE comfortable reflection, that a watchful Providence 
regulates every event, and that nothing happens 
to us but for wise and good ends, greatly tends to alleviate 
every earthly care, and prevent that anxiety which would 
otherwise be the portion of mortals. 

If sickness or even death approach us in our near con- 
nections, if prospects of various sorrows present themselves 
to our view, how calm is that mind whose dependence is 
on the Lord, who considers all the evils of this life as 
things that endure but for a moment ; and that they may 
work "for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of 
glory ! " * 

If we feel that all is right within, why should outward 
events disturb our repose ? If the afflictions we meet 
with are not judgments for past transgressions, and to 
rouse us more to a performance of duty in future, yet 
the sorrows that encompass us may be designed to wean 
us from this sublunary world, and engage us to fix our 
affections on heavenly objects, and lay up for ourselves 
treasures where no thief can steal. 

However discomposed, however afflicted we may be, 

yet this hope still remains, a never-failing source of peace ; 

and the mind that sincerely desires so to overcome every 

propensity to evil, as to be accepted in the sight of the 

most holy God, will feel a renewal of strength to get the 

better of all those passions which war against its peace. 

— Margaret Woods, 1774. 
1 



10 DAILY READINGS. 



[First Month 10. 



" 1 have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 1 * — 3 
John 4. 

MY cry is for humility and wisdom, that I may be 
mercifully preserved from falling, and that I may 
not be tempted to exceed the life and authority of truth. 
I know nothing more excellent nor more desirable than 
the living virtue of it, qualifying our spirits, and enabling 
us to move in the Lord's work. I wish it above all things 
for ourselves ; I wish it above all things for our children ; 
that they, as well as we, may surrender themselves at the 
Great Captain's discretion, make no terms of capitulation 
in yielding up the citadel of their hearts, only that life, 
spiritual life, may be granted them, that they may be 
taken into the service of the Lard. There is no other ser- 
vice which is attended with such advantages ; there is 
safety and protection in it, from the usurpation of other 
lords which have had dominion ; there is maintenance, 
clothing, and pay, there is honor, dignity, and immortal 
glory; all these blessed privileges and rewards are in- 
volved in this important cause. I heartily desire that 
our children's obedience in all things may keep pace with 
the knowledge communicated to them. " Hear and obey, 
and your souls shall live," is worthy of all acceptation. 
First, to be diligent in waiting, in order to hear the still, 
small voice, which is of private interpretation to our sev- 
eral states individually ; next to obey in submission and 
faithfulness the discoveries of the Divine Will in the jots 
and tittles, as well as the weightier parts of the law. — 
Richard Shackleton, 1784. 



First Month 11. ] DAILY READINGS. 11 

11 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given 
yon by Jesus Cnrist, that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utter- 
ance, and in all knowledge ; even as the testimony cf Christ was confirmed in 
you."— 1 Cor. i. 4, 5, 6. 

AND, dear Friends, as our forefathers and predeces- 
sors were led and directed by the spirit of truth 
publicly to proclaim the sufficiency of the grace of God, 
inwardly manifested in the hearts of all the children of 
men ; we earnestly desire, that above all things the di- 
rections of this heavenly monitor in ourselves may be 
carefully observed, which Avill give us the clearest view 
of our several and respective duties, and guide us into all 
truth. From a disregard to this heavenly and universal 
principle of divine light, and disobedience to its holy 
guidance, proceed that ignorance and depravity which 
have overspread too many of the professors of Christian- 
ity. Let us, therefore, who are in an especial manner 
favored with the knowledge of the truth inwardly re- 
vealed, and in some degree made experimental witnesses 
of its power and efficacy, beware, lest any of us also fall 
away, and lose sight of that inward and unerring guide, 
which alone is able to keep us steadfast and unmoveable 
in the practice of pure and undefiled religion, preserve us 
from the spots and pollutions of the world, make us wise 
unto salvation, and enable us to perform that which is 
good and acceptable in the sight of God. To whom, for 
the comfortable influences of his Holy Spirit, and all his 
other manifold blessings, both spiritual and temporal, be 
glory, dominion, and praise ascribed, through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord and Saviour. — London Epistle, 1749. 



12 DAILY READINGS. [ First Month 12. 



"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the 
stars, which thou hast ordained ; what is man, that thou art mindful of him ? 
and the son of man, that thou visitest him ?"— Psalms viii. 3, 4. 



Y"ES, we are believers in divine revelation. Some 
of us have pursued the path of science, have in- 
vestigated the wonderful works of the Creator, have 
been permitted to obtain a glimpse of those simple yet 
sublime and beautiful laws by which the universe is 
governed, and by which that harmony and order, so es- 
sential to the preservation of the whole, are invariably 
maintained. The smallest insect which the microscope 
can discover, so beautifully organized in all its parts, so 
complete for the purpose for which it was created, pro- 
claims Omnipotence as loudly as those vast bodies which 
revolve round the sun at different distances, and with 
different degrees of velocity. The very earth which we 
inhabit, carrying seas agitated by storms, volcanoes, 
bodies everywhere in motion in all directions, yet re- 
volves upon its axis with a precision which no time-piece 
will ever be able to equal. They who have pushed their 
inquiries the furthest into the works of the great Crea- 
tor, see at every step fresh subjects for admiration and 
astonishment, and are most deeply convinced that such 
marks of contrivance and design, such beautiful adapta- 
tion of means to ends, could only be produced by a Be- 
ing infinite in wisdom and in power, before whom the 
most intelligent of the sons of men dwindles into absolute 
insignificance. — William Allen, 

A wise man makes what he learns his own. 



Fikst Month 13.] DAILY HEADINGS. 13 

" But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with 
healing in his wings."— Mai. iv. 2. 

HOW beautiful, how glorious a sight is it, to behold 
the sun in the morning when it issues from its 
bed of crimson hue, when it gradually ascends the hori- 
zon, dissipating the dusky gloom of fading night, and 
tinging every object in nature with its golden rays. And 
Oh ! may I not say, that through the blessing of a gra- 
cious Creator, I am enabled almost daily to witness the 
spiritual arising of the " Sun of Righteousness with healing 
in his wings." Surely the day-spring hath visited and is 
visiting me, and assuredly the end and purpose of his 
arising is the same that it was formerly, even " to give 
light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of 
death, to guide their feet into the path of peace." I 
think I say not amiss, when I declare my belief, that 
the light within me seems to get brighter, and the fire 
warmer almost every day. Oh ! that I may be content 
to remain in the refiner's fire, that so I may become pu- 
rified and refined from everything evil. 

I have been long in much trouble and difficulty about 
changing my dress, as well as adopting those other dis- 
tinctions and testimonies which Friends uphold and 
practice; and my anxiety respecting these things has 
been, lest I should take them up without good ground, 
and without being clearly and indubitably sensible that 
these sacrifices are called for. Indeed I have gone 
mourning on my way, day after day, and night after 
night. — John Barclay, 1816. 



14 DAILY READINGS. [ F ibst Month 14. 

" To him the porter openeth ; and the sheep hear his voice : and he calleth 
his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his 
own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him : for they know his 
voice."— John x. 3, 4. 

AND now, dear Friends, the wonderful mercy, and 
goodness, and power, and blessed presence of the 
Eternal Immortal God hath been manifest this year in 
all our meetings, and Friends wonderfully preserved by 
his special divine providence in this difficult and suf- 
fering time. The Lord our God is worthy to have all 
the praise, glory and honor ; for his presence and power 
was manifest beyond words ! Blessed be his name for 
ever ! And, therefore, that all may walk worthy of his 
blessings and mercies ! And that all may keep and walk 
in Christ Jesus the sanctuary ! For in him is peace and 
safety ; who destroys the destroyer, the enemy and adver- 
sary. For Christ is your sanctuary in this day of storm 
and tempest ; in whom you have rest and peace. And 
therefore, whatever storms and tempests do or should arise 
within or without, Christ your sanctuary is over them 
all : who has all power in heaven and earth given unto 
him ; and none is able to pluck his lambs and sheep out 
of his Father's or his hand, who is the true shepherd : 
neither are any able to hurt the hair of your head, except 
it be permitted by his power, for your trial. And there- 
fore rejoice in his power, the Lamb of God, who hath 
the victory over all, both within and without. He by 
whom all things were made, and who is over all; 
the First and the Last ; the Amen. — London Epistle, 
1683. 






First Month 15.] DAILY READINGS. 15 

" Who can find a virtuous woman ? for her price is above rubies." — Prov. 
xxxi. 10. 

CHRISTIAN M. BARCLAY, wife of R. Barclay, 
was religiously inclined from her youth; and 
publicly embraced the testimony of truth, in the love of 
it, in early years, viz : about the sixteenth year of her age, 
and that through many hardships and sufferings, in which 
she walked all along suitably to what she professed. Her 
travail was great for the prosperity of the blessed truth, 
and for all who professed it, that they might witness 
possession, which is far better than profession. 

She laid herself out to assist, and give advice to sick 
people; and supplied their necessities, especially the 
poor ; many of whom came ten, twenty, thirty, and some 
forty miles, receiving great benefit; for her success was 
wonderful; and great is the lamentation made for her 
removal among the poor and sick. 

She was a well accomplished woman every way, and 
of singular virtues, which she improved, to the praise of 
the Lord. When we call to mind the solidity, the sound- 
ness, the seriousness, that attended her ; the care and con- 
cern she was under that no slackness or unconcernedness 
might be in the church, but that diligence might be used 
to make our calling and election sure ; the great and 
daily concern which was attended with a good effect, for 
the preservation of her children and grandchildren ; and 
how exemplary she was before them : we cannot avoid 
lamenting the loss of her. — From the Life of M. Barclay. 



16 DAILY READINGS. 



[First Month 16. 



" With him is an arm of flesh ; but with us is the Lord our God to help us 
and to fight our battles. ,, — 2 Chronicles xxxii. 8. 

ONCE more I am risen again from what threatened 
to be my last earthly conflict — risen to be again a 
witness that the Lord is verily a God near at hand in 
troubles and sufferings — yea, my beloved sister, to under- 
stand a little, with thyself, the meaning of that Scripture, 
" Glorify ye the name of the Lord in the fire." O that 
I may more abundantly glorify him in all my affliction, 
in every part of the short residue of my life, and in 
my death ; and, through the unmerited mercies of a gra- 
cious Redeemer, be rendered meet to glorify him during 
eternity. 

On Opening of the Crystal Palace. — The congre- 
gation of so many persons from so many nations that 
are expected to be then in London, has brought me into 
very serious and solemn consideration ; and perhaps 
thou wilt, and may indeed smile, when I tell thee that I, 
poor I, like an old worn-out race-horse, which, on hearing 
the sound of the horn or trumpet, is all animation, ready 
to start, so thy poor, old, feeble friend has felt so much 
of the love of Christ and his gospel toward such an ex- 
pected multitude, that he thought, should the command 
be given, there would be a willingness to try, at least, to 
limp or creep, though not to run as formerly. — Stephen 
Grellet. 

While withfiolding, Thou art giving. 

In thine own appointed way ; 
And while waiting, we're receiving, 

Blessings suited to our day. 

— Jane Crewdsoic, 






First Month 17.] 



DAILY READINGS. 17 



tk If any man serve me, him will my Father honor.""— John xii. 26. 

WM, PENN furnishes a remarkable instance of the 
acquisition of solid and durable fame, by means 
which in their commencement appeared totally destruc- 
tive of that end. When, upon arriving at man's estate, 
he embraced the religious principles of a new and de- 
spised Society, he must have considered himself, and been 
considered by others, as giving up all his prospects of 
eminence in the world. The mortification which his 
father experienced, upon discovering the choice he had 
made, unquestionably arose from a belief that he was re- 
nouncing the path of eminence and fame for one of ob- 
scurity and reproach. To see his only son, the heir appar- 
ent of his fortune and fame, instead of pursuing the bril- 
liant career which was opened before him, associating with 
a self-denying people, who were considered as the offscour- 
ings of the earth, was more than his philosophy could pa- 
tiently bear. The pacific principles of the Society to 
which he was united, as well as the uncourtly character 
of their peculiar doctrines, must have formed, in the view 
of Admiral Penn, an insuperable barrier to the advance- 
ment of his son. He did not perceive that the magna- 
nimity displayed in that very renunciation of eminence and 
fame, that inflexible adherence to the path of apprehended 
duty, * * * would assign him a station in the temple 
of fame incomparably higher than that which the admiral 
had attained with all his heroism. — Enoch Lewis, Phila- 
delphia, 1852. 



18 DAILY READINGS. 



[First Month 18. 



M He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then 
are they glad because they be quiet ; so he bringeth them unto their desired 
haveu. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his won- 
derful works to the children of men '."—Psalm cvii. 30, 31. 

I WAS truly glad and thankful in heart, for the mer- 
ciful deliverance vouchsafed to me from being en- 
tombed in the mighty deep, though, blessed be God, in 
whom I was enabled to put my trust, when the counte- 
nances of the mariners wore a dismal aspect, and all 
hope of being saved was nearly gone, I never quite 
lost my confidence ; no, not for a moment, even in the 
greatest extremity of danger. At one time in particular, 
when I verily thought we were going down to the bottom, 
never more to rise, being so deeply covered with the roll- 
ing surge, that the mighty roaring thereof ceased to sound 
in our ears, and there was a profound silence in the ship; 
even then did my mind feel so calm and quiet, that I 
could not doubt of being clasped in the arms of ever- 
lasting love ; and I yielded to his blessed will, saying 
in secret, Lord, if it be thy blessed will that this shall be 
my grave, I yield, if I may but go down clasped in the 
arms of thine everlasting love; or if thou art pleased to 
bring me safe to land again, I will surely sing thy praise, 
I will tell of thy goodness in the congregation of thy peo- 
ple, I will speak of thy wondrous works. — Richard Jor- 
dan, 1801. 

Yet midst the toss and tumult, 

I clasp a saving arm, 
And, clinging to its strength, the storm 

Is safer than the calm ! 

—Jane Cbewdson. 



Fikst Month 19.] DAILY READINGS. 19 



" For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever. That 
he should still live for ever, and not see corruption."— Psalm xlix. 8, 9. 



THE greatest blessing which was ever conferred on 
mankind — the redemption from sin, and attain 
ment of a happy immortality by the atonement and in- 
tercession of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I con- 
template this wonderful proof of the love of God to man 
as an act of mercy and benignity, which will stimulate 
the gratitude and love, the obedience, praise, and adora- 
tion of the redeemed, through ages that will never end. 
This high dispensation is, in every respect, adapted to our 
condition, as frail and sinful creatures. In surveying our 
offenses and imperfections it prevents despondence, di- 
rects us where to look for relief, and freely offers us, if 
we are truly penitent, and believe in Christ, pardon and 
peace ; in reflecting on our religious attainments, it 
checks presumption, and keeps us humble ; and amidst 
all the trials and troubles of life, it cheers us, with the 
prospect of a merciful deliverance, and of being received 
into those blissful regions where we shall be secured, 
eternally secured, from sin and sorrow ; where we shall 
be admitted into the Divine presence and unceasingly cele- 
brate in joyful anthems the praises of the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God blessed for ever. To 
them who obtain this glorious and happy state, all the 
afflictions of the longest and most painful life will then 
appear to have been, indeed, light and momentary, * * 
compared with the greatness of that felicity, and the end* 
less ages of its continuance. — Lindley Murray, 



20 DAILY READINGS. 



[First Month 20. 



" He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself."— 1 John 
v. 10. 

MA1STY and glorious are the outward testimonies that 
God has given to the Christian religion, both in 
the days when His Son Jesus Christ dwelt on earth and 
went about doing good to the bodies and souls of many, 
and in the time of the ministration of the apostles, who 
followed their Lord and Master. The miracles wrought, 
the prophecies fulfilled, and the various glories attending 
the ministration of the Gospel conspire to confirm our 
faith. Each of them are evidences of the truth and 
divinity of this doctrine, and all of them joined to- 
gether bear such a testimony as cannot be resisted. 
We live in these latter days at a long distance of time 
from those seasons wherein those miracles were wrought, 
and wherein God appeared in so immediate a manner 
from heaven to witness to the truth of the Gospel of his 
Son. * * * We are not left void at this day. " He 
that believeth hath the witness within himself." There is 
an internal testimony given to the Gospel of Christ in 
the heart of every one that receives it in truth. These 
are the beginnings of that eternal life wrought in the 
soul, which the Son of God bestows on all believers. 
" He that hath the Son hath life." Oh ! the spiritual life 
of a Christian runs into eternity ! It is the same Divine 
temper, the same peaceful and holy qualities of mind, 
communicated to the believer here, in the days of grace 
and visitation, which shall be fulfilled and perfected in 
the world of glory. — David Sands, 1795. 



First Month 21.] DAILY READINGS. 21 

" I thank God, whom I serve -from my forefathers with pure conscience."— 2 
Tim. i. 3. 

rTlO Almighty God I appeal, whom I serve with my 
JL spirit in the Gospel of His Son ; whose I am, and 
to whom I am given up with mine heart and sonl to serve, 
who hath been my Father and leader ever since I knew 
Him ; who hath led me through many trials, sufferings 
and exercises that were cross to flesh and blood ; who 
hath upheld and supported me therein down to this day. 
And now, in my old age, I am forced to renew my testi- 
mony again, through a false, lying spirit, gotten up 
amongst us to oppose and withstand our gracious, blessed 
truth, in the which we were begotten, and in the which 
we who are preserved out of this spirit do stand in that 
blessed unity of the eternal spirit which joineth up to 
the Lord, and one to another. 

But an imagining, false, and untrue spirit hath gotten 
into some, by which they are deluded, and will not see 
or apprehend by any means used to give them satisfac- 
tion. Yet for the satisfaction of Friends and others I 
give thus my testimony ; while I breathe upon the earth, 
then I shall stand up for God and truth ; He that taught 
me to render to all men what is their due, and not to owe 
anything to any but love. In that which is religious 
and just God hath taught us and manifested His will. 

And He commands that we should render unto Csesar 
the things that are Cesar's, and to God the things that 
are God's, which I shall by His Holy assistance endeavor 
to fulfill both to God and man. — Margaret M>x, 1701. 



22 DAILY READINGS. 



[ Fibst Month 22. 



"But exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day ; lest any of you be 
hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."— Heb. iii. 13. 

IT is a thing truly excellent for mortals to love, serve, 
and fear him that made them, and gave unto all 
life and being ; and to begin this work betimes, is very 
advantageous to the never-dying soul. It is an indis- 
pensable duty, which is incumbent upon every one, male 
and female ; and whoever is found in the neglect thereof, 
will certainly have cause to repent it ; and unless they 
repent before they go hence, and see man no more, will 
be miserable to all eternity. Thin solid consideration 
hath often been weighty on my mind, and I could not be 
clear, as I thought, in the sight of God, without laying it 
before men and women. 

Truth commands us, reason persuades us, and example 
is very powerful and inviting, that the children of men 
would be wise to salvation, and embrace the love of God 
in his dear and well-beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, 
who himself said, " I am the way, the truth, and the life." 
Oh ! surely here is a threefold cord, i. <?., truth, reason, 
and example, which is not easily broken. God Almighty 
grant, for Christ's sake, that by it poor souls may be 
drawn to him, even now in their tender years. To-day, 
to-day, if any will hear the voice of the Lord, let them 
not harden their hearts ; for that is provoking to him 
that made us. How know we whether he who made the 
heavens, will be pleased to give us another hour ? How 
know we, but that after this day we may never open our 
eyes, till we open them in eternity? — Thomas Chalkty. 



First Month 231 DAILY READINGS. 23 

ki I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds 
of the fields, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please."— Cant, ii. 7. 

FAR be it from me to give an opinion as to what 
may be thy future path ; the great Head of the 
church chooses his own instruments as it pleaseth Him ; 
but even if it should be his purpose that thou shouldst thus 
testify thy love to Him, He may show it thee, as He has 
done to many others, for years before He calls to the pub- 
lic acknowledgment of it. 

I believe, also, that young converts — those who are 
newly awakened to the value and importance of religion 
— are very apt, in the ardor of their feelings, to imagine 
they are called to great things, and in the overflowings 
of that love to their Saviour which may be raised in their 
heart, to believe they must, as thou expressest it, " speak 
his praise " to those around them ; but it does appear to 
me to be one of the very successful stratagems of our 
ever-watchful enemy, to persuade the young, as soon as 
they begin to walk in the right way themselves, that they 
are called upon to teach others, rather than abide under 
the blessed teaching which would, if they had patience 
to endure its secret reproofs, and wait upon its salutary 
though silent monitions, in due time, make them more 
capable to do so, in their daily life and conversation. — >- 
Maria Fox, 1837. 

No strength have we to do thy will, 

Except as thou confirmst our heart ; 
Say to opposing waves, Be still ; 

Say to assaulting fears, depart. 

—Jane Crewdson. 



24 DAILY READINGS. 



[First Month 34. 



" And he said unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the 
marriage supper of the Lamb. Andhesaith unto me, These are the true say- 
ings of God. 11 — Rev. xix. 9. 

THE door is open, I see an innumerable company of 
saints, of angels, and the spirits of just men, 
which I long to be unbodied to be with ; but not my 
will, but thine be done, Oh, Lord ! I cannot utter, nor 
my tongue express, what I feel of that light, life, and 
love that attends me, which the world can neither give, 
nor take away from me. My sins are washed away by 
the blood of the Lamb that was blain from the founda- 
tion of the world ; all rags and filthiness are taken away, 
and in room thereof love and good will for all mankind. 
Oh, that we may become more united in the church mili- 
tant, and nearer resemble the church triumphant ! Oh, 
that we all might make such an end as I have in pros- 
pect : for it is all light, all life, all love, and all peace. 
The light that I see is more glorious than the sun in the 
firmament ! Come, Lord Jesus Christ ! come when thou 
pleasest; thy servant is ready and willing; into thy 
hands I commit my spirit. Not my will, but thine be 
done, Oh Lord ! I am near to enter that harmony with 
Moses and the Lamb, where they cry, " Holy ! holy ! 
holy !" I cannot express the joy I feel. If any inquire 
after me, after my end, let them know all is well with 
me. — Joseph Wliite, 1777. 

And wilt thou be mine for ever? 

Shall I live with thee and reign ? 
Come, these mouldering chains to sever ? 

Come, for death to me is gain. 

-—J. J. Gurnet. 



First Month 25.] 



DAILY READINGS. 25 



"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night 
cometh, when no man can work."— John ix. 4. 

A CERTAIN sentence has been presented to the 
view of my mind, which seemed to contain a 
gentle engaging caution, and matter of instruction to me, 
attended with sweetness ; which was, " Work while it is 
day." Friends, this is our day, wherein we ought to be 
diligent and industrious. In the light of the day we may 
see and understand how to w^ork, and what to do, that at 
the conclusion we may obtain from the Master of the 
day, who dwelleth in light, the answer of well done ; for 
the nisrht will come, wherein no man can work. We are 
favored with liberty in this day, to assemble together for 
worship unmolested ; and my hearty desire is, that we 
may properly improve this mercy ; for the time to some 
of us may come, before our day in this life is closed 
wherein this privilege may in some measure be taken from 
us. Something in me would be ready to say, The Lord 
forbid that it should be the case ; but by reason of the 
great declension which has overspread the church, I hardly 
dare to expect any other. Oh ! may we therefore be care- 
ful to prize the mercy of God, and endeavor to gain an 
inheritance in the light, that when night overtakes, and 
darkness as to the outward, may hang over us, we may be 
favored to withdraw into the sure hiding-place, and know 
a quiet habitation. — John Churchman, 

No bark hath ever foundered, 

With such a Friend on board, 
No soul was ever cast away 

With such a Saviour Lord. 

—Jane Crewdson. 



26 DATLY TJFADTNOS. 



[First Month 26. 



'• Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth ; keep the door of my lips." — 
Psalm cxli. 3. 

HE that easily credits an ill report, is almost as 
faulty as the first inventor of it ; for though you 
do not make, yet you commonly propagate a lie. There- 
fore never speak evil of any upon common fame, which 
for the most part is false ; but almost always uncertain 
whether it be true or not. * * 

Let us accustom ourselves to pity the faults of men, 
and to be truly sorry for them, and then we shall take 
no pleasure in publishing them. This common humanity 
requires of us, considering the great infirmities of human 
nature, and that we ourselves also are liable to be tempted. 

Whenever we hear any man evilly spoken of, if we 
know any good of him, let us say that. It is always the 
more humane and the more honorable part, to stand up 
in the defense and vindication of others, than to accuse 
and injure them. 

That you may not speak ill of any, do not delight to 
hear ill of them. Give no countenance to busy-bodies, 
and those that love to talk of other men's faults. 

And lastly, let us set a watch before the door of our 
lips, and not speak but upon consideration ; I do not 
mean to speak finely, but fitly; especially when thou 
speakest of others, consider of whom, and what thou art 
going to speak ; before thy words slip from thee, which, 
when they are once out of thy lips, are for ever out of thy 
power. — Wm. Grouch to his children. 



First Month 27.] 



DAILY READINGS. 27 



" The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and 
worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the 
throne."— Rev. iv. 10. 

THERE is a spirit which I feel, that delights to do 
no evil, nor to revenge any wrong, but delights 
to endure all things, in hope to enjoy its own in the end. 
Its hope is to outlive all wrath and contention, and to 
weary out all exaltation and cruelty, or whatever is of a 
nature contrary to itself. It sees to the end of all tempta- 
tions ; as it bears no evil in itself, so it conceives none in 
thoughts to any other : if it be betrayed it bears it ; for 
its ground and spring is the mercies and forgiveness of 
God. Its crown is meekness, its life is everlasting love 
unfeigned, and takes its kingdom with entreaty, and not 
with contention, and keeps it by lowliness of mind. In 
God alone it can rejoice, though none else regard it, or 
can own its life. It 's conceived in sorrow, and brought 
forth without any to pity it ; nor doth it murmur at 
grief and oppression. It never rejoiceth but through 
sufferings ; for with the world's joy it is murdered. I 
found it alone, being forsaken ; I have fellowship therein 
with them who lived in dens and desolate places in the 
earth, who through death obtained this resurrection and 
eternal holy life. — James Nayler. 1660. His last testi- 
mony, said to be delivered before his departure out of this 
life ; several Friends being present 

So died James Naylor. He was buried in "Thomas Parneira burying 
ground, at King's Rippon," in a green nook of rural England. 27 



28 DAILY READINGS. 



[First Month 28. 



Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and 
glorify your father which is in heaven. "—Matt. v. 16. 

I WAS last night at a large meeting which is held here 
quarterly, under the name of the Young Folks' 
Evening Meeting. I was pleased to see a very numerous 
appearance of very promising young Friends of both 
sexes ; several testimonies were delivered by some that 
have lately appeared in public ; they seemed to be influ- 
enced with love and zeal ; and it afforded me satisfaction 
when I considered that it was possible some of these 
young hearers might one day stand as bulwarks against 
the general corruption and degeneracy among us, in the 
place of their deceased worthy elders and fathers. They 
have to tell us that better days were coming, that 
mercy was extended, that Zion yet should shine more 
brightly. O thrice happy those who live so near the 
centre of peace, as to be ready, when the alarm is given, 
to follow wherever the standard is fixed. I can now only 
desire this for thee and myself, that our dear father's 
example and precepts may insinuate themselves into our 
minds so far as to influence us to act, to speak, and even 
to think, as it becomes persons favored in such an extra- 
ordinary manner. Dear Sister, cease not to shine, though 
discouragements may too much prevail ; may happiness 
attend thee. Farewell. — Doctor I. Fothergell, London, 
1738. 

In this divine glass they see face to face, and their converse is free as well as 

pure. 

PenrCs Maxim**. 



First Month 29.] 



DAILY READINGS. 29 



li For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to "believe on him, 
but also suffer for his sake."— Philippians i. 29. 

UNAIDED by any alliance with the great or power- 
ful ; ridiculed and hated by the world, and every- 
where pursued with contempt and cruelty, the principles 
of Friends silently spread through the kingdom, winning 
the assent of men who were inferior to none in education, 
talents, and respectability. Amid the severest persecution, 
when deprived of every temporal good, torn from home 
and all its endearments, with every probability that they 
should seal the truth of their principles with the sacrifice 
of their lives, they faltered not. Though all around them 
looked dark and threatening, yet there was light and peace 
within ; they not only met their sufferings with patience 
and fortitude, in the unresisting spirit of their Divine 
Master, but, through the goodness of God, were so filled 
with heavenly consolation, that they sang for joy even in 
the extremity of their suffering. 

If the calamities in which Friends bore so large a share had 
no other good effect, they evidently tended to convince the 
nation of the folly of persecuting men for differences of 
opinion. More than thirty years of suffering had passed 
over, and not a single Quaker had been induced by it to 
abandon his profession. They were as prompt and diligent 
as ever in the open performance of their religious duties, 
and as ready patiently to submit to the penalties of 
unrighteous laws. — Thomas Evans, {Introductory Be- 
marks to the Life of George Fox). 



30 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fib8t Month 30. 



* Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave un- 
to his wife, and they shall be one flesh. 1 ' — Gen. ii. 34. 

I CONGRATULATE the new-married pair on their 
union ; I hope there is cause to believe that He 
who made them has mercifully condescended to own their 
connection, that it is not without His Divine notice and 
approbation. They are young, it is the spring-time of life 
with them, luxuriant shoots will be apt to grow ; may 
they suffer the pruning hand of Divine culture, the bap- 
tism which initiates, preserves, and keeps clean, and ren- 
ders comely and acceptable in the sight of the Husband 
of souls. 

Acceptance with Him is all, and without it every en- 
joyment fails of satisfying the immortal spirit, every com- 
fort of this life loses its best relish, and every trouble is 
aggravated by an additional sting ; whereas, dwelling 
low, keeping in the moderation, and looking to our great 
Benefactor daily for his blessing, holding all as at his 
hand, and referring all to him, his benefits are received 
with humble thankfulness, hefilleth our hearts with food 
and gladness, the creatures are used to his honor, and not 
abused to our hurt, and the Great Giver has the praise of 
all. 

This world, its bustle, its pursuits, and its highest glo- 
ry will soon be over to every one that is at present in it. 
Then the answer of " Well done ! good and faithful serv- 
ant" will be a more joyful sound, than all the favor and 
friendship which this life can bestow. — Richard Shackle- 
to?i, 1781. 



First Month 31.] 



DAILY READINGS. 31 



44 Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, 
and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so 
among you." — Matt. xx. 25. 

AS Christ's Kingdom was not to be set up, so neither 
was it afterwards to be sustained, by force or 
fraud ; human wisdom and greatness, as such, were not to 
be its pillars, but lowliness and meekness ; for he declared, 
" except ye become as little children, ye shall not enter 
into the kingdom of heaven," implying that thty could 
not otherwise be his faithful subjects. When the Samari- 
tans would not receive him, and some of his disciples in- 
quired whether they should call for fire from heaven to 
destroy these unbelievers, he meekly replied, " ye know 
not what spirit ye are of; for the Son of Man is 
come not to destroy men's lives, but to save them." 
Thus he testified that they were not subject to the 
influence of his meek, holy, and beneficent sovereignty, 
but ignorant what its nature was, and whose subjects 
they really were ; for that he came to promote love and 
truth, to save and not to destroy, even those who op- 
posed him. 

It may be asserted that the whole tenor of the New 
Testament is consonant with this view of the character 
of the Kingdom of Christ ; and that in proportion to 
the purity and faithfulness with which it is upheld, will 
love, sincerity, and meekness, " peace on earth, good will 
to men, and glory to God," prevail as its sure tokens 
and genuine results. — John Allen, England, 1853. 



32 DAILY READINGS. 



[Second Month 1, 



" Enter ye in at the strait gate : for wide is the gate, and broad is the way 
thatleadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. 1 '— Matthew 
vii. 13. 

THE broad way seems more and more crowded, while 
the road to Zion is thinly scattered with poor 
wayworn travelers; each, or nearly so, of the former 
living as if there were to be no hereafter, and earth was 
to be their eternal home. I have thought that as our 
Blessed Redeemer's arms were extended wide on the cross 
to embrace perishing sinners, so do these short-sighted 
mortals extend their arms and their wishes in grasping 
unsubstantial vanities, and that craving one of Mammon, 
the most fascinating of all, as it increases with age. 

I hope by what I have felt of the keen arrow of 
adversity piercing the heart, it will teach me, when I see 
it wounding any of my fellow-mortals, to endeavor to 
soothe, if I have nothing else in my power toward heal- 
ing the wound. Let thee and me be determined, in the 
name of the holy Jesus, to follow him and not look on 
others. He is leading us into the pure green, ever green 
pasture of humiliation, w^here the sheep of his pasture love 
to lie. I own the road is not very pleasant ; the descent 
is rugged, and many times the poor traveler is ashamed 
of being seen hobbling down by his former acquaintance ; 
but when once within the sacred inclosure, the sweet air 
that breathes humility hushes all stormy passions to rest. 
I read and read again of all those holy folks being divested 
of self, and anxiously do I desire to be so too, but by the 
marks they lay down I am very far from that attainment. 
— Elizabeth Yeardley, aged 36. 



Second Month 2.] DAILY READINGS. 33 



" And to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at 
even." — 1 Chron. xxiii. 30. 

IN the beginning of the clay it ought certainly to be 
our care to lift up our hearts to God as soon as we 
awake ; and on rising from bed to endeavor to have our 
minds brought into seriousness and stillness ; to thought- 
fulness as in the Divine presence ; for this is a season when 
there are many considerations which may, or ought to, 
suggest a variety of pious reflections and ejaculations, 
which are so obvious that a mind inclined to piety could 
hardly forget or miss them. The cheerfulness natural on 
our first waking; the refreshment we have found from 
sleep; the security we have enjoyed during that defense- 
less condition ; the enjoyment of witnessing once more 
the reviving influence of the sun ; the recollection of the 
many comforts and conveniences which we have enjoyed 
or received, and are surrounded with, so graciously pro- 
vided by the great Author of all our mercies ; and now 
having the prospect of one day more, not only to see our 
dear connections, but to serve our Heavenly Father, 
whose service is freedom and whose labor is love ; and 
continued opportunity for the improvement of our minds ; 
and above all, cherishing a lively hope of finally witnessing 
;i perfect resurrection to an eternal day of happiness and 
glory. The exercise of private devotion in the morning, 
I hope you will, my children, engage in as the first work 
of the day, yet I cannot prescribe a particular method 
to any of you. Consult the witness for God in your 
own hearts. — David Sands, 1795. 



34: DAILY READINGS. 



[Second Month 3. 



" Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called 
the name of it Ebenezer, saying, hitherto hath the Lord helped us. ,, — l Sam. 
vii. 12. 



IN humility and thankfulness to our great and most 
merciful Lord God, I must confess to his power 
and goodness, yea, and his special providence in helping 
me hitherto, and strengthening me in his work and ser- 
vice, and in preserving and delivering me, through many 
trials, sufferings and persecutions, that I have not been 
delivered to the will of my enemies and persecutors, who 
sought my destruction ; not only breathing out cruelty 
against me, and others of the servants of the Lord, in 
our early days; but to their power, have acted mali- 
ciously and cruelly against us ; but the remainder of wrath 
hath the Lord so far restrained, as not to suffer them to 
execute the utmost thereof against us; the Lord having 
reserved for me more service in my day, as well as trials, 
sufferings and exercises of divers kinds. The persecu- 
tions and hardships which I had undergone were not suf- 
fered to put an end to my days, or service in the gospe] 
of Jesus Christ, but to make the same more observable 
and effectual, through the Lord's power and tender mercy 
unto me and his people, and for the sake of many poor 
souls. — George Whitehead, 1654. 

Good, kind, true, holy words, dropped in conversation, maybe little thought of, 
but they are like seeds of flower or fruitful tree ; falling by the wayside, borne 
by some bird afar, haply thereafter to fringe with beauty some heretofore barren 
mountain-side, or make some nook of the wilderness to rejoice. 



Second Month 4.] DAILY READINGS. 35 



44 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew 
him not."— John i. 10. 



THERE is scarcely any article of Christian doctrine 
in which the Society of Friends have more fully 
or repeatedly declared their sincere belief, than in the 
proper divinity of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ. They have uniformly testified that he was the 
Word of God, spoken of by the Evangelist John, by whom 
the world and all things else w^ere made ; who was with 
God in the beginning, and who was and is over all, God 
blessed for ever, Amen. They believe that in the fullness 
of time, this eternal " Word was made flesh " and dwelt 
among men in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, who 
was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the virgin 
Mary, at Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the 
King; concerning whom the angels declared to the shep- 
herds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night, 
" unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, 
which is Christ the Lord." That he went about doing 
good to the bodies and souls of men, preaching the gos- 
pel of salvation, and giving eternal life to as many as be- 
lieved on him ; that he wrought many mighty miracles, 
and gave other infallible proofs that he was the promised 
Messiah, the true Christ, the son and sent of God, the Re- 
deemer and Saviour of the world, one with the Father, 
agreeably to his own blessed declarations. — Adopted by 
the Representative meeting of Philadelphia Yearly Meet- 
ing r , Jonathan Evans, clerk. 



36 DAILY READINGS. 



[Second Month 5. 



" And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about 
the space of half an hour."— Rev. viii. 1. 

SILENT worship being the most sublime part of our 
religious performances, how important it is not to 
interrupt the silent travail, or conclude our meetings 
before experienced minds have time to dig to the spring 
of life in themselves, witness the gradual arising thereof 
as high as the great Feeder and Waterer of his people 
designs. This she (Mary Griffin) had a deep sense of, 
and her public appearances in the meeting to which she 
belonged were not generally lengthy, nor very frequent, 
sitting generally in silence when other ministers from 
abroad were present, preferring others to herself, speaking 
lightly of none, and very tender towards the young or in- 
experienced ; careful not to stir up or awake her beloved 
until he pleased, nor rise above or go beyond the pure 
leading of truth. Her language was correct and copious, 
well adapted to her subject. Her matter was plain to 
be understood by all, not unnecessarily branching out 
into words, but kept to the life and marrow of things, 
tending to center the minds of hearers in the fear and 
love of God. — Joseph Talcot, 1812. 

Why is my mind with sorrow thus opprest ? 
Where shall I go to find the balm of rest ? 
There is nothing in this world can give relief, 
For all is mingled with the cup of grief. 
Then may my soul retire unto that power, 
Which calmed the tempest in a trying hour, 
The wind and sea obeying His command, 
The raging storm became a quiet calm ! 

— Saeah Tallcot, 1810. 



Second Month 6.] 



DAILY READINGS. 37 



" Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' 1 — Matt. 
v. 3. 



IT is a safe and blessed state, to be spiritually poor, 
and to be rightly sensible of it before the Most 
High. For then we are nothing, and have nothing, but 
from the Lord : and without him man sees himself un- 
done : his soul must starve, he must go naked, if the Al- 
mighty do not feed and clothe him. When people see 
themselves poor, and wretched, miserable, blind, and 
naked, without Christ, notwithstanding all the fine things 
they may enjoy in this world, which is of a fading nature ; 
oh ! then how the soul cries and begs for mercy and 
grace. A dry form of words will not satisfy it, but it 
begs with tears, Lord help me, or I perish ! Save me, or 
I am undone for ever ! Here the soul humbly approaches 
the throne of grace by prayer; and if an answer is not 
quickly received, for such a soul is apt to think the time 
long, it waits patiently with that servant of God, who 
said, " Though he slay me, yet I will trust in him ; " for 
I know there is no help for me but from thee, oh ! my 
God, and my Saviour, saith the truly poor soul. The 
food which must keep life in me, is thy word : and the 
raiment which I want, is thy righteousness, as thou 
wroughtest it for me, and workest it in me also. The 
Lord looks with a compassionate eye on such souls, and 
doth not use to turn them away empty ; but as they 
abide in the patience, waiting for his appearance in hope, 
he assures them of the kingdom. — Thomas ChalHy. 



38 DAILY READINGS. 



[Second Month 7. 



" Remove far from me vanity and lies : give me neither poverty nor riches ; 
feed me with food convenient for me." — Prov. xxx. 8. 

WHEN I sit down by the fireside in my own room 
to take a short repose in the afternoon, the. 
thought often arises whether I am not getting into habits 
of too much self-indulgence. Threescore and ten years 
of age may afford some plea for an increase of those in- 
dulgences that are within our reach ; but I think it requires 
watchfulness, that they do not extend too far, lest we 
should begin to think ourselves of most consequence when 
we are in reality in the least. Yet many things conspire 
to promote self-importance. Our friends and relatives, 
perhaps perceiving some increasing debilities and infirmi- 
ties, are careful respecting us ; they prompt us to take 
care of ourselves, and withdraw from everything that 
may fatigue or trouble us ; and I believe we sometimes 
give way to their apprehensions, lest we should in any 
respect become burdensome to them. 

When I have been contemplating the happiness of my 
own situation respecting temporals, and comparing it with 
those of inferior classes, I have felt my heart touched 
with compassion. But when, on the other hand, I have 
looked at the situation of those much above me, and con- 
sidered how unhappy they would think themselves if re- 
duced to mine, it has led me to the conclusion that there 
is a more equal distribution of happiness than one might, 
at a casual glance, imagine. — Margaret Woods, 1818. 



Second Month 8.] 



DAILY READINGS. 39 



" But a? he which hath called you ia holy, so he ye holy in all manner of con- 
versation." — 1 Peter i. 15. 

DEAR , upon examination I find a degree of 
love to move upon my mind towards thee and thy 
sister Anna, with desires that you may be preserved from 
all evil, and walk in the way of holiness, which is the 
way of peace. 

As I believe that you have hitherto in a good degree 
been kept from the pollutions that are in the world, 
which many are defiled with, so I earnestly desire your 
preservation to the end, and not only so, but that you 
may be holy in all manner of conversation, and be pat- 
terns for others to follow. I believe you are called 
thereto, to be as lights to others ; therefore walk as chil- 
dren of the light, feel frequently after the Lord and for 
the arisings of light and life in your souls, and know the 
love of God to increase and abound in you, and that 
will qualify for his service, for nothing can be done to 
the honor of God except divine love be the mover. As 
God is love, so they who love God will love their breth- 
ren, and act towards then in the movings thereof. * * 

I believe there will be a noble army raised up in your 
land, that will be able and willing to fight the Lord's bat- 
tles, and perhaps in your day ; if so, and you are faithful 
in the improvement of your talents, you may become as 
standard-bearers amongst the people. Remember you 
have been favored above many, and if suitable returns 
are made, and a proper improvement, you may be in- 
struments for the Lord's use. — David Ferris, 1759. 



40 DAILY READINGS. 



[Second Month 9. 



"As a shepherd seeketh out his nock in the day that he is among his sheep 
that are scattered ; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all 
places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day."— Ezek. xxiv. 
12. 

FOR it is the glorious Gospel-day, in which God is 
exalting his dear Son, as Prophet, Priest, an-d 
King, in the hearts of his people. O that the nations 
would hear him, their only saving health, and Israel's 
great Shepherd 1 who takes care of his sheep, that hear 
his voice, and gives unto them that follow him in the 
daily cross unto regeneration, eternal life. He hath sent 
and is sending forth his servants, to gather home the 
sheep that are gone astray in all nations, that so there 
may be but one Shepherd and one sheep-fold ; according 
to the glorious promise made to these latter times, in which 
he said he would be the teacher of his people, himself. 

God is awakening men to the knowledge of his glory, 
in the face or appearance of Christ, by his Spirit in their 
hearts and consciences, which reveals to men the Father, 
yea, the deep things of God. O that they would hear 
and fear, and learn the things that make for their eter- 
nal peace ! For if the righteous scarcely are saved, where, 
O where, shall they appear that neglect so great salva- 
tion ! — a salvation that comes so near them, as to knock 
at the door of their hearts ; that searches them and tries 
their reins, and tells unto them their most inward 
thoughts ; and brings a line of judgment over all their 
words and works. This is Christ Jesus, the Light of the 
world, who was given of God for salvation to the ends of 
the earth. — William Penn. 



Second Month 10.] 



DAILY READINGS. 41 



'! Keep thy heart with all diligence ; for out of it are the issues of life.'' 1 — Prov. 
iv. 23. 

I HAVE been reading Watts' Logic ; it tells me how 
ill-regulated are my thoughts ; they ramble truly ! 
Regularity of thought and deed is what I much want ; I 
appear to myself to have almost a confusion of ideas, 
which leads to a confusion of actions ; I want order ; I 
believe it difficult to obtain, but yet with perseverance at- 
tainable. The first way to obtain it, it appears to me, is 
to try to prevent my thoughts from rambling, and to keep 
them as steadily as possible to the object in view. True re- 
ligion is what I seldom feel, nor do I sufficiently try after 
it, by really seeking devotion ; I do not warmly seek it, I 
am sure, nor do I live in the fear of an all-wise Being, who 
watches over us ; I seldom look deep enough, but dwell too 
much on the surface of things, and let my ideas float. Such 
is my state. I can't tell how I feel exactly — at times all 
seems to me mystery ; " when I look at the heavens, the 
work of thy fingers, the moon and stars, which thou 
hast ordained, what is man, that thou art mindful of him 
or the son of man, that thou visitest him ? " Thou must 
exist, oh God ! for the heavens declare thy glory, and the 
firmament showeth thy handy-work. — Elisabeth Gurney, 
aged 20. 



It is a coal from God's altar must kindle our fire ; and without fire, true fire, 
no acceptable sacrifice.— Wm.Penn. 



42 DAILY READINGS. [ Second Month 11. 



" But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many 
foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For 
the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they 
have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 
—1 Tim. vi. 9, 10. 



LET all promises and obligations for payment of just 
debts be truly kept and performed ; and due care 
taken that all offenses, trespasses, and differences be 
speedily ended and composed, in God's wisdom, accord- 
ing to gospel order among us, either by mutual forgive- 
ness, Christian counsel, or just arbitration, as the case may 
require, and safely admit or allow ; and the choice of 
arbitrators and umpires be of such just, impartial men, 
as neither party can justly except against. * * * 

As our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ exhorted and 
warned to beware and take heed of covetousness (which is 
idolatry), we are concerned that all professing Christianity 
among us may take heed of pride, covetousness, and 
hastening to be rich in the world, which are pernicious 
and growing evils ; let them be watched against, resisted, 
and suppressed, in the fear and dread of Almighty God, 
and have no place or countenance in his camp. O ye grave 
elders, both men and women ! pray be careful and watch- 
ful against these evils, and over the youth in these cases. 

It is also seriously advised that no Friends suffer 
romances, play-books, or other vain and idle pamphlets, in 
their houses or families, which tend to corrupt the minds 
of youth ; but instead thereof, that they excite them to 
the reading of the Holy Scriptures and religious books. 
— London Epistle, 1720. 



Second Month 12.] DAILY READINGS. 43 

" God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever 
believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life."— John iii. 15. 

DEAR FRIENDS:— I am glad to hear that the 
concerns of Truth are so well as they are with 
you, and that you have set up your Half-year's Meetings, 
which may be of great service. 

And all that are faithful in your country, being kept 
in the Lord's eternal power, in it keep up all your men 
and women's meetings, that the power of the Lord God 
may spread over all, and by it all deceit and looseness 
may be kept under ; and this will ease all the magis- 
trates, and their courts, of all evil and looseness, by hav- 
ing it stopped and killed in the birth, before it comes in 
to action ; and see in your meetings, that Friends give 
no occasion [of offense] to the Indians. 

And if sometimes you should have some meetings 
with the Indian kings and their councils, to let them 
know the principles of Truth ; so that they may know 
the way of salvation, and the nature of true Christianity, 
and how that Christ hath died for them, who " tasted 
death for every man ; " (and so the gospel of salvation 
must be preached to every creature under heaven) ; and 
how that Christ hath enlightened them, who enlightens 
all that come into the world. And God hath poured out 
his Spirit upon all flesh ; and so the Indians must receive 
God's Spirit. * * * And so let them know, 
that they have a day of salvation, grace, and favor of 
God offered unto them ; if they will receive it, it will be 
their blessing. — George Fox, 1687. 



44 DAILY READINGS. 



[Second Month 13. 



u For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."— Philippians i. 21 

WILLIAM LEDRA, an inhabitant of the Island of 
Barbadoes, being convinced of the principles 
of trnth as held by the religious Society of Friends, and 
believing himself divinely called to travel in New England, 
came to Newbury in the year 1658, where he was taken 
up, with his companion William Brend, carried to Salem 
in Massachusetts. The magistrates of this place asked 
if they were Quakers ; and being told they were so called 
in scorn, they charged them with denying that Christ 
who died at Jerusalem, and also the Holy Scriptures. 

Sentence of death was passed upon him and the time 
fixed for its execution. On the morning when this servant 
of the Lord Jesus sealed his testimony with his blood, 
the governor came to the prison with a military guard ; 
W. L.'s irons were knocked off, and taking a solemn leave 
of his fellow-prisoners, he cheerfully went forth to meet 
death, saying, " All that will be Christ's disciples must 
take up the cross." Then taking his stand where the 
guard directed him, he addressed the people thus : " For 
bearing my testimony to the Lord against the deceivers 
and deceived, am I brought here to suffer." When the 
executioner was putting the halter about his neck, he 
calmly said, "I commend my righteous cause unto thee, 
O God ;" and as he was turned off, he cried out, " Lord 
Jesus, receive my spirit." — Memories of William Zedra, 
by W. and T. Evans, 1660.* 



Second Month 14.] 



DAILY READINGS. 45 



" Then David said to Oman, Grant me the place of this threshing-floor, that 
I may build an altar therein nnto the Lord : thou shalt grant it me for the full 
price : that the plague may be stayed from the people. And Oman said unto 
David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his 
eyes : lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instru- 
ments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering ; I give it all. And king 
David said to Oman, Nay ; but I will verily buy it for the full price : for I will 
not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without 
cost."—! Chron. xxi. 22, 23, 24. 

AND now, dear Friends, that all your offerings 
may be free, and of your own, that have cost you 
something : so that you may not offer of that which is 
another man's ; or that which you are entrusted withal, 
and not your own ; or fatherless and widows' estates ; but 
all such things you may settle and establish in their places. 

For you may remember, many years ago, in the time 
of great persecution, there were divers Friends who were 
traders and shop-keepers, and others which had the con- 
cerns of widows and fatherless, and other people's estates 
in their hands, that, when a great suffering, persecution, 
and spoiling of goods, came upon Friends, there was a 
special care taken, that all that Friends did suffer, and 
what they did offer up to the Lord in their sufferings, it 
might be really their own ; and not any other's estates or 
goods which they had in their hands, and were not really 
their own. * * * 

And therefore, after several letters came out of the 
country to the meeting at London, Friends that had 
goods from the shop-keepers here at London upon credit, 
which they had not paid for, wrote back again to the 
creditors that they had the goods of; and intreating of 
them to take their goods again. — London Epistle, 1683. 



46 DAILY READINGS. [Second Month 15. 

"Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my neces- 
lities, and to them that were with me."- Acts xx. 34. 

THE court was adjourned for six weeks; and finding 
myself more closely confined than before, and not 
knowing when or how it would end, I began to be very 
thoughtful what method to take, not to be chargeable to 
my friends. As I was full of thought on my pillow about 
the matter, it came into my mind to try if I could learn 
to make shoes ; and applying myself to a Scotch church 
man in the neighborhood, one Charles Williams, a good- 
natured man, I made a proposal to buy a pair of shoes of 
him, cut out for me to make up, and to give him the 
same price as if made, desiring him to let me have ma- 
terials and tools to go on with the work, and requesting 
that he would be so kind as to show me how to begin 
and proceed in it. I acquainted him with my reasons 
for so doing. He replied, " It is very honest and honor- 
able in you : but," added he, " if one of our ministers 
were in the like state, they would think it too mean for 
them to take up such a practice, though it be for bread ; 
and your friends, perhaps, will not like it." However he 
readily fell in with me, if that I could get my bread with 
my own hands, it was most agreeable with Paul's prac- 
tice ; and accordingly next morning he brought me leath- 
er cut out, with materials and tools to work with, and 
with his direction I closed one of the upper leathers be 
fore he left me, and he put it on the last for me, and by 
night I finished that shoe. — Samuel Bownas. 



Sbcond Month 16.] DAILY READINGS. 47 

"A devout man, one that feared God with all his house, which gave much 
alms to the people, and prayed to Godalway." — Acts x. 2. 



aEORGE FOX himself was a man of no ordinary 
character. Though possessed of but little of 
the " learning of the schools," yet, as a Christian, his 
spiritual understanding was sound, clear, and compre- 
hensive. Christ was its center, and the truth, as it 
flowed from him, its area and circumference. With a 
mind as humble and child-like in its willingness to be 
taught, as it was fearless and unflinching in its obedience 
to what it had already learned, he had comprehended 
the practical bearing of the great Christian doctrine — 
the simple fact — of the direct influence and perceptible 
guidance of the Holy Spirit ; he saw and appreciated 
not only its entire accordance with the Holy Scriptures, 
but its importance also as an essential part of gospel 
truth. The Old and iSTew Testaments were the canon 
of his religious belief. In doctrine, he fully recognized 
the conclusiveness of their divine authority; in practice, 
he felt it to be his bounden duty, under the guidance 
of the Holy Spirit, at all hazards, faithfully to carry out 
in life and conversation all that was required by their 
teaching ; and he was ever willing that both his principles 
and his conduct should be brought to the test of their de- 
cision. Mere human systems were nothing to him in point 
of authority; ecclesiastical establishments, with their 
popes and cardinals, " Right Rev. Lord Bishops," etc., 
and the lower grades of the priesthood were, in his 
view, unscriptural institutions. — Benjamin Seebohn. 



48 DAILY READINGS. [Second Month 17. 

M Be still and know that I am God."— Pealm xlvi. 10. 

AND now, oh Friends ; let a true silence and sweet 
stillness come on all your spirits ; so shall your 
inward ear be opened to his heavenly counsel, and you 
will be ready, in true bowedness of spirit to say, what 
the Lord has commanded and required, that will we do, 
through his divine strength ; and you will be preserved 
in all the various exercises of the day, and out of the 
hurries of the people in this season of fulfilling what 
was said in many of your ears, many years ago, disap- 
pointment upon disappointment, sorrow upon sorrow, ex- 
ercise upon exercise, and distress upon distress ; and as 
you are inwardly staid upon the Lord, in his eternal light, 
you will feel help from Him in all your straits. Gather 
to the munition of rocks, where your bread shall be sure, 
and waters never fail. Be faithful in the Lord's work, 
and keep meetings as the Lord requires, and that dili- 
gently, week days as well as first days, and the Lord 
will appear in the brightness of his power, and the 
glory of his presence you shall enjoy more and more. 
And, dear Friends, you that God hath blessed with out- 
ward substance, first the opening love of Christ Jesus, who 
offered himself up for us, to open your hearts, and give 
you wisdom to take effectual care of the poor and needy, 
according to your ability. So to God almighty I commit 
you ; and having done his will, I rest in my Father's love, 
your tender friend and brother, in the labor and travail 
of the Gospel. — Charles Marshall, London, 1697. 



Second Month 18.] DAILY READINGS. 49 

" Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength, be- 
cause of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." — 
Psalm viii. 2. 

AT a very early age I believe my mind was, at times, 
visited with the heart-tendering power of the 
Lord ; long before I knew what it w T as that contrited my 
spirit before him. This led me to feel a very great love 
for such as I esteemed good Friends, and enabled me to 
plead their cause when I heard some speak slightly of 
them, on account of what were considered singularities. 
My education did not subject me to such frequent expo- 
sures as fall to the lot of many, and perhaps of most ; 
yet there were seasons when circumstances of this sort 
did occur. One in particular I remember. When about 
ten years of age, I rebuked a person who was ridiculing 
one whom I believed to be a valuable woman ; and the 
person's answer to me was, " I make no doubt but you 
will be a preacher when you grow up." I silently re- 
ceived what she said, and felt a secret reward, which ena- 
bled me to rejoice that I was permitted to bear my little 
portion of suffering for espousing the good cause. Yet 
sorrowful to remember, several years after, I fear I 
should have felt less ability to have done it, than at that 
early period ; but, with reverent thankfulness I can ac- 
knowledge the wonderful goodness of a merciful God, 
who never permitted me to go along unrebuked, when I 
had wandered widely from his holy guidance. — Mary 
Alexander, 1Y98. 

Every day has its duty. 



50 DAILY READINGS. 



[Second Month 19. 



" But exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day ; lest any of you be 
hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of 
Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. 1 ' — 
Heb. iii. 13, 14. 

WHILST tracing the Christian course of the man, 
whose experience has been recorded in the 
pages of this volume, how deeply instructive and how 
encouraging are the evidences that a soul-animating faith 
in the efficacy and all-atoning virtue of the blood of Je- 
sus, (which, when applied to the heart by the sanctifying 
power of the Spirit, cleanseth us from all sin,) has been 
found sufficient to anchor the immortal spirit on the 
Rock of Ages, and to prepare it to enter, with hopes full 
of immortality, on the awfully mysterious realities of an 
invisible and never-ending state of existence. 

Reader, if it has happily been thy chief concern to ob- 
tain the like precious faith, " may the God of all grace, 
who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Je- 
sus, establish, strengthen, settle " thee. But if, on read- 
ing these lines, " the faithful witness," the Spirit of Him 
whose " eyes " are " as a flame of fire," penetrating the 
most secret recesses of the heart, should testify that the 
fleeting pursuits of time have too much engrossed thy at- 
tention, and veiled from thy view the infinite impor- 
tance of seeking " first the kingdom of God, and his right 
eousness," mayst thou become solemnly impressed with 
the danger of delaying, even for a moment, to come unto 
Christ, to seek, in deep humiliation and patience of soul, 
to be reconciled to the Father. — Susanna Corder. 



Second Month 20.] DAILY READINGS. 51 



" With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful, and with the upright 
man thou wilt show thyself upright."— 2 Sam. xxii. 26. 

I MAY acknowledge, that, notwithstanding my revolt 
and turning aside from thu paths of purity and 
peace, the Lord has been graciously near me all my life 
long, and has watched over me as a tender father, for 
good, smitten me by his Spirit when I have been rebel- 
ling against his holy law written in my heart, making 
merry over the divine witness there ; and has reached to 
me and tendered me in the midst of mirth and jollity. 
He often followed me to my chamber, and upon my pil- 
low has drawn tears of sorrow and contrition from me, 
when none have been privy to it but his all-seeing eye : 
so that my days of joy and laughter have often pro- 
duced nights of sorrow and weeping. Still I continued 
sinning and repenting, and turning the grace of God into 
wantonness for a number of years, being at times favored 
to see, in part, the beauty there is in holiness, but fearful 
of incurring the scorn of the world's deluded votaries, 
should I turn my back upon it. Activity of spirits, loose 
discourse and noisy mirth, were my sad refuge to drown 
serious reflections; yet the worm that never dieth, 
a wounded conscience, often embittered my sweetest 
draughts of pleasure. In tHs state I was inclined some- 
times, in a serious hour, to read a pious author, which, I 
think, by the assistance of the gracious Helper, was made 
serviceable to me, being roused to more serious thought 
than ever before. — Wm. Savery, 1778. 



52 DAILY READINGS. 



[Second Month 21. 



41 Hide not thy face far from me ; put not thy servant away in anger : thou 
hast been my help ; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. 
Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine ene- 
mies.— Psalm xxvii. 9, 10, 11. 

ABOUT this time, 1657, it was the great talk of the 
country that I was become a Quaker. My pa- 
rents were much concerned about me. I was informed 
that the priest of Welch-pool, W. Longford, went to 
them and told them that I was gone distracted, and 
that they should send for some learned men to come tome 
and restore me to my senses. I had not been yet with 
my father nor mother, but waited for freeness and clear- 
ness in myself, and then I went to see them, and in my 
way I visited an old friend of mine, a professor, and had 
a little opportunity to speak to him of the things of God, 
and his goodness to me, and a young man, called David 
Davies, was then convinced of the truth : this was on a 
seventh-day, in the afternoon : and when I was clear 
there, I went to Welch-pool to my parents. It was a 
trouble to them to see that I did not, as formerly, go 
down upon my knees to ask their blessing, and bow to 
them and take off my hat. My father soon turned his 
back upon me. I had heard of his displeasure, and that 
he had said he would leave me nothing ; saying to my 
relations, that they thought to have had comfort of me, 
but now they expected none, but that I would go up and 
down the country, crying, Repent ! Repent ! — Richard 
Davies, 3 657. 

Neglect not a known duty. 



Second Month 22.] DAILY READINGS. 53 

" Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines ; 
the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat ; the flock 
shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls : Yet I will 
rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."— Hab. iii. 17, 18. 

THE next day, being asked how he was, he said nearly 
as follows : " I have slept sweetly, and seem much 
refreshed ; and though I feel myself very weak in body, 
I am full of Divine consolation, having never before had 
such prospects of heavenly things. It seems even as 
though my soul was united in chorus with glorified saints 
and angels, both sleeping and waking. I now believe I 
shall recover, and that this sickness did not happen to me 
altogether on my own account. My only way to recover 
is to be industrious and diligent in what I believe is re- 
quired of me ; I have many messages to deliver, both in 
public and privately to Friends, who I see have missed 
their way, and have in a great measure deprived them- 
selves of the beauty wherewith an humble abiding in 
the truth would have dignified them ; and to some of 
my elder brethren, for whom I feel an uncommon near- 
ness of affection, their lives never appeared to be more 
near to me, and I dare not conceal counsel from them, 
whether they will bear or forbear. * * An uncommon 
earnestness attends my mind, for the recovery of the re- 
bellious, hypocritical, and backsliding professors of all 
ranks amongst us. If I get to our quarterly meeting, 
which I believe I shall, and can have time allowed me 
when there, I have tidings, important tidings, as from a 
dying man, to many." — John Churchman. 



54 DAILY READINGS. 



[Second Month 23, 



M Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God," 
-Matt. v. 9. 



THIS peace-making is excellent work, and a blessed 
calling; what a pity it is, that there are not 
workmen in the world who would set themselves heartily 
to it, which if they did in a right spirit, God would cer- 
tainly prosper the work in their hands, and plentifully 
reward them with his own peace, which passeth the un- 
derstanding of the natural man. If our ingenious men, 
our men and women of skill and good natural parts, 
would take a little pains, nay, when the case requires it, 
a great deal, the Almighty would richly reward them. 
This work is not too mean even for princes and nobles ; 
no, not even the greatest monarchs on earth, unless it 
be too mean for them to be called the children of 
God. * * * Wherefore, we should seek peace with 
all men, and ensue it, or sue for it, by our continual 
seeking of it, being a precious jewel, when found ; and 
though this office may seem a little unthankful at first, 
yet in the end it brings forth the peaceable fruits of right- 
eousness, as many so laboring have witnessed. And 
Christ, to encourage the work, says, " They shall be 
called the children of God ; " which are the words of 
the King of kings ; and if the princes of this world 
would promote this work among themselves, it would 
save a vast expense of treasure and of blood; and as 
these peace-makers are to be called the children of God, 
they who are truly concerned therein are not only so 
called, but are so in deed and in truth. — Thomas Chalkly. 



Second Month 24] 



DAILY READINGS. 55 



11 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it ? 
Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth 
wild grapes ? " — Isa. v. 4. 



rT^HOSE who have set the Lord always before them, 
jL_ dare not do otherwise than acknowledge him in 
all their ways. They prefer Jerusalem to their chief joy. 
But how sorrowfully does the language of conduct pro- 
claim in many, that they love the world, and are striving 
to get as much of the things of it together as they can, 
that they may have a name in the earth ! These are 
stumbling-blocks in the way of honest inquirers. The 
prosperity of Zion is not their delight, therefore the Lord 
is angry. He is angry with the professors of the pure 
unchangeable truth, because they have not honored him, 
but have waxed fat with his blessings, and kicked at his 
requisitions. These he will judge. Is he not calling, 
has he not called us all the day long ? Will he behold 
iniquity in Jacob, or perverseness in Israel with approba- 
tion ? Surely, no. He spared not those whom, with a 
mighty hand and an outstretched arm, he brought out of 
Egypt, when through grievous revolt they forsook his 
covenant, and cast his law behind their backs. Will he 
then own those who in life and practice disown him in 
this day ? It cannot be consistent w^ith his purity and 
justice. My spirit is covered with mourning in consider- 
ing what must be the consequence of the many visita- 
tions that have passed away unheeded. — Margaret 
Allen. 

An upright pillar will bear a great weight. 



56 DAILY READINGS. [Second Month 25. 

41 Search me, O God, and know my heart : try me, and know my thoughts : 
and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." 
—Psalm cxxxix. 23, 24. 



AMONGST her memoranda are inserted the follow- 
ing queries and observations, which she was 
careful often to answer according to the testimony of the 
faithful witness in her own conscience. 

Have I studied the Scriptures diligently ? 

Have I said anything to the disadvantage of another ? 

Have I indulged vain thoughts ? 

Have I profitably employed my time ? 

Have I checked all improper thoughts and feelings ? 

Have I in all cases kept strictly to truth ? 

Have I omitted any obvious duty ? 

Have I done good to any one ? 

Have I gained any useful knowledge ? 

Have I endeavored to live in the fear of the Lord ? 

If I have been enabled to pass a day in a manner 
which my conscience approves, oh ! may I not feel on 
this account any self-complacency ; but rather deep hu- 
miliation under a sense of my entire unworthiness of the 
assistance thus mercifully afforded me : and when, through 
unwatchfulness, I have erred, let not this too much dis- 
courage me, but stimulate me to renewed diligence, and 
render me more sensible of my entire dependence upon a 
merciful Creator. — Ann Backhouse, aged 18. 

Far from the wheat the chaff remove, 

The gold from dross set free, 
Till naught remains, save that pure love 

Which lifts the soul to thee. 

— Amelie Opib. 



Second Month 26.] 



DAILY READINGS. 57 



" Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my 
house of prayer : their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted 
upon mine altar ; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all 
people." — Isa. lvi 7. 

I WISH it were possible to make some little record of 
that precious, heavenly meeting I sat this morning : 
the divine presence, and mercy, and goodness, so encom- 
passed my soul, that it seemed ready to wing its way 
from earth ; or as a little bark, with a skillful pilot on 
board, about to launch into the ocean with a safe harbor 
in view. * * * * Language can but feebly ex- 
press the sensations of my spirit : it was abilitated to join 
in the triumphant song : " Worthy is the Lamb that was 
slain, to receive riches, and power, and glory, and hon- 
or, and blessing." It could willingly unite in adoring 
him whom angels and archangels worship : " Great and 
marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty ! Just 
and true are all thy ways, thou King of saints ! " Tears of 
contrition and grateful joy fell abundantly ; and, at 
length, I returned to that state of poverty and emptiness, 
which is so much my allotment ; but which, I humbly 
trust, is a safe state. 

Her last illness, of little more than a week's continu- 
ance, was attended with much bodily suffering ; and she 
often spoke with difficulty ; but was enabled to express, 
in short sentences, the peace, the love, the heavenly joy, 
she was graciously permitted to feel, as the solemn crisis 
approached. At one time she said, " The Saviour died for 
all." — Esther Atkins. 

A good life is sound philosophy. 



58 DAILY READINGS. 



[Second Month 27. 



u Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause : yea, 
let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the 
prosperity of his servant."— Psalm xxxv. 27 

IjSJ" reviewing the last year of my life, a period which 
has been important, and in some respects deeply 
interesting to me, I have thought that the language comes 
home to my experience : " my soul doth magnify the 
Lord, and my spirit doth rejoice in God my Saviour." 
At least there have been seasons, w T hen I have seen 
what abundant cause we have for the abasement of self, 
to magnify the Lord ; though I have often had to pass 
as through the deeps, though I have often greatly feared 
through the weakness of faith, though I know that I 
have inexpressible cause for repentance and humiliation 
before my God, yet I may acknowledge that there have 
been times when my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Sa- 
viour. The glory, the beauty, the excellency of his 
salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord, have been in- 
creasingly open before me : I have seen more clearly 
that Christ is God our Saviour, and I believe that to 
know experimentally the only true God, and Jesus Christ 
whom He has sent, is life eternal, and that this- knowl- 
edge is a joy unspeakable and full of glory. Ut- 
terly unworthy as I am, I have been permitted to hold 
communion with my Saviour, and through Him to draw 
near unto my God. I have known what it is, not only 
to sit at his feet, but to " hear his word," and that word 
has spoken life and peace to my soul. — Priscilla Gur- 
ney, 1814. 



Second Month 28.1 



DAILY READINGS. 59 



"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to yon. Cleanse yonr hands, ye 
sinners ; and purify your hearts, ye donble minded." — James iv. 8. 

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up."— 
James iv. 10. 

IT remains to be a solemn truth, that nothing can draw 
to God but what proceeds from him ; and whatever 
may be the eloquence or oratory of man, if it be not 
the gift of God, under his holy anointing, which always has 
a tendency to humble the creature and exalt the Creator, 
it will in the end only scatter and deceive. It has long 
appeared to me that true vital religion is a very simple 
thing, although, from our fallen state, requiring continual 
warfare with evil to keep it alive. It surely consists in 
communion, and at times a degree of union, with our 
Omnipotent Creator, through the mediation of our Holy 
Redeemer. And seeing these feelings cannot be produced 
by eloquent discourses or beautiful illustrations of Scrip- 
ture, but by deep humiliation and frequent baptisms of 
Spirit, whereby the heart is purified and fitted to receive 
a greater degree of divine influence ; seeing it is produced 
by daily prayer, by giving up our own will, and seeking 
above all things to do the will of our Heavenly Father, 
surely there is cause to hope that those who are convinced 
of this, and who have tasted of spiritual communion 
through this appointed means, will never be satisfied 
with anything, however enticing, which, if not under the 
influence of the Holy Spirit, may well be compared to 
" sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal." — Martha 
Teardley, 1830. 



60 . DAILY READINGS. 



[Third Month 1. 



" Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor 
standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his 
delight is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and 
night. 11 —Psalm i. 1, 2. 

WHEN I view my steps in life, and reflect how 
greatly deficient I have been, I am humbled, 
and have cause to admire the great compassion and long- 
suffering kindness of a gracious God, and with abase- 
ment acknowledge it will be of his mercy if I am saved. 
If I have been helped at times to be found faithful, it has 
been, and is, through the efficacy of grace, and therefore 
no room to boast. My failure in duty and watchful- 
ness has been great. Through the religious care of pi- 
ous parents when young, and an early sense of the Di- 
vine fear, I was and have been preserved from the gross 
evils of the world to this day, which is a great mercy and 
favor. But I have often passed under many hidden con- 
flicts for disobedience and failure in duty, and have at 
times been ready to despair ; yet I have had to acknowl- 
edge the Lord is righteous, whatever might be my por- 
tion ; and after days of sorrow, and nights of deep exer- 
cise, he has been pleased to renew light and favor ; un- 
der a sense of which, I desire to be found more atten- 
tive, diligent, and faithful, the residue of my days, es- 
teeming the light of the Lord's countenance, and the ev- 
idence of his peace, beyond all terrestrial enjoyments. — 
John Pemberton, aged 67, 1794. 

Thou alone thy balm applying, 

Canst this aching pang relieve, 

Balm that thou hast bought with dying, 

Give and teach me to receive. —J. J. Gurnet. 



Third Month 2.] DAILY READINGS. 61 

" And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them 
up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation 
of the children of Israel for a water of separation; it is a purification for sin."— 
Numbers xix. 9. 

THE leading of the young generation in the pure 
way, in which the wisdom of this world hath no 
place ; where parents and tutors, humbly waiting for the 
heavenly Counselor, may example them in the truth, as 
it is in Jesus, hath for several days been the exercise of 
my mind. O how safe, how quiet is that state, where 
the soul stands in pure obedience to the voice of Christ, 
and a watchful care is maintained, not to follow the voice 
of the stranger ! Here Christ is felt to be our shepherd ; 
and under his leading, people are brought to stability : 
and where he doth not lead forward, we are bound in the 
bonds of pure love, to stand still and wait for Him. 

In the love of money, and in the wisdom of this world) 
business is proposed, then the urgency of affairs push 
forward, and the mind cannot, in this state, discern the 
good and perfect will of God concerning us. The love of 
God is manifested in graciously calling us to come out of 
that which stands in confusion ; but if we bow not in the 
name of Jesus ; if we give not up those prospects of gain, 
which, in the wisdom of this world, are open before us, 
but say in our heart, " I must need go on ; and in going 
on, I hope to keep as near the purity of truth as the busi- 
ness before me will admit of;" the mind remains en- 
tangled, and the shining of the light of life into the soul 
is obstructed. — John Woolman, IV 72. 



62 DAILY READINGS. 



[Thibd Month 3. 



« For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in 
your spirit, which are God , s. ,, — 1 Cor. vi. 20. 

THE time seems to have come in which we must 
necessarily consider ourselves as not our own, nor 
as having a right to do as would be most agreeable to 
our natural will, as in the time of more ignorance, at 
which the Lord has been pleased to wink. But now we 
must remember we have been bought with a price, that 
henceforth we should not live unto ourselves, but unto 
Him who died for us, and gave himself a ransom for all, 
which we cannot experience but through the death of 
self and selfish motions of the mind, which, if given way 
to, will produce sorrow and cause dimness. I am sensi- 
ble that we have our trials, and our faith is frequently 
assaulted by the adversaries of truth, and enemies of pure 
righteousness, and these are frequently of our own house. 
I believe it is safe to motions of our own minds, lest 
when under trials we should fall into poor Israel's condi- 
tion and murmur against the Lord, by which we should 
render ourselves unworthy of an inheritance in the good 
land. We must remember some who " came out with a 
strong hand, and an outstretched arm," and had been 
baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea, ( which I 
take to be a baptism of tears, under some very painful 
conflicts of mind,) who were wonderfully carried through, 
so as to sing his praise on the banks of deliverance ; and 
yet, by letting in discouragements, and a disposition of 
mind contrary to the pure will of the Lord, they fell in 
the wilderness. — David Sands, 1779. 



Third Month 4.] DAJLY READINGS. 63 

41 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word 
was God."— John i. 1. 

WE own and believe in God, the only wise, omnipo- 
tent, and everlasting God, the Creator of all 
things in heaven and earth, and the preserver of all that 
he hath made ; who is God over all, blessed for ever, to 
whom be all honor, glory, dominion, praise, and thanks- 
giving, both now and for evermore ! And we own and 
believe in Jesus Christ his beloved and only begotten 
Son, in whom he is well pleased ; who was conceived by 
the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary ; in whom 
we have redemption through his blood, even the forgive- 
ness of sins ; who is the express image of the invisible 
God, the first-born of every creature, by whom were all 
things created that are in heaven and in earth, visible 
and invisible, whether they be thrones, dominions, prin- 
cipalities or powers ; all things were created by him. And 
we own and believe that he was made a sacrifice for sin, 
who knew no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, 
that he was crucified for us in the flesh, without the gates 
of Jerusalem ; and that he was buried, and rose again 
of the third day by the power of his Father, for our jus- 
tification ; and that he ascended up into heaven, and now 
sitteth at the right hand of God. 

We believe that he alone is our Redeemer and Saviour, 
the Captain of our salvation. Alpha and Omega, the 
First and the Last. — George Fox to the Governor of 13 ar- 
badoes, 1671. 

Goodness only is true greatness. 



64 DAILY READINGS. 



[Third Month 5. 



" And he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me is not worthy of 
me."— Matt. x. 38. 

THE way, like the cross, is spiritual ; that is, an in- 
ward submission of the soul to the will of God, 
as it is manifested by the light of Christ in the con- 
sciences of men ; though it be contrary to their own in- 
clinations. For example : when evil presents, that which 
shows the evil does also tell them they should not yield 
to it ; and if they close with its counsel, it gives them 
power to escape it. But they that look and gaze upon 
the temptation, at last fall in with it, and are overcome 
by it ; the consequence of which is guilt and judgment. 

Therefore, as the cross of Christ is that spirit and power 
in men, though not of men, but of God, which crosseth 
and reproveth their fleshly lust and affections ; so the 
way of taking up the cross is an entire resignation of 
soul to the discoveries and requirings of it ; not to con- 
sult their worldly pleasure, or carnal ease or interest (for 
such are captivated in a moment), but continually to 
watch against the very appearance of evil, and by the 
obedience of faith, that is, of true love and confidence 
in God, cheerfully to offer up to the death of the cross, 
that evil part, that Judas in themselves, which, not en- 
during the heat of the siege, and being impatient in the 
hour of temptation, would by its near relation to the 
tempter, more easily betray their souls into his hands. 

Hence, they that cannot endure the cross, can never 
have the crown. 

To reign, it is necessary first to suffer. — Wm. JPenn. 



Third Month 6.] DAILY READINGS. 65 

" And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and 
preach Jesus Christ," — Acts v. 42. 

HAVING, since I wrote last, in company with a few 
other friends, been engaged in visiting the fami- 
lies of Friends in our monthly meeting, I thought I was 
just free to tell thee that we got through better than I 
believe any of us had anticipated; for we had viewed this 
service at a distance in rather a formidable light. I am 
in no boasting disposition, but I would add, that as we 
went along, an affectionate desire for the welfare of our 
friends accompanied us from house to house, which seem- 
ed to be rather productive of an uniting than a scattering 
influence, which leads me to hope that it was a degree of 
our Heavenly Father's love, shed abroad in our hearts, 
towards our brethren. * * * 

Whilst writing on this subject, and viewing those in- 
firmities and imperfections which perhaps not only myself, 
but many of my dear fellow-professors have to deplore, I 
am ready to utter the petition, " Lord, enter not into judg- 
ment with thy servants ; for in thy sight shall no flesh be 
justified." Yet lam not dismayed by this awful consider- 
ation, my past experience (and as it is one neither calcu- 
lated to excite nor nourish vanity, I perhaps may be al- 
lowed to mention it,) of the Divine long-suffering is such; 
and so firm is my belief, that if we will, we may yet be 
gathered, that notwithstanding all opposition from within 
and without, both which I know to be powerful, my spirit 
is mercifully permitted to repose in " penitential peace and 
cheerful hope." — Jonathan Hutchinson, 1809. 



66 DAILY READINGS. [Third Month 7. 

"Blessed are they that mourn ; for they shall be comforted.' 1 — Matt. v. 4. 

THE mourning here spoken of is of a godly sort, 
which may sometimes appear outwardly. First, 
the soul may mourn for its own sins and iniquities ; sec- 
ond, for want of a Saviour ; and third, for the iniquities 
of others. " All have sinned, and come short of the glory 
of God ; " and since we have all sinned, we have all need 
to mourn before the Lord, and bow ourselves before the 
Most High ; and when he sees that we are humbled be- 
fore him, he will comfort us. Christ will send the Com- 
forter, the Spirit of truth, in his name, who will come unto 
us ; and when he is come, we may plainly know that it is 
he, by what he doth, according to Christ's own rule, which 
is infallible and certain. He says, " When he is come, 
he will reprove, or convince the world of sin, of right- 
eousness, and of judgment ; of sin, because they believe 
not on me ; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, 
and ye see me no' more; and of judgment, because the 
prince of this world is judged." Thus, according to 
Christ, that which shows us our sins, which convinces 
us of them, is the Spirit of truth, the Comforter ; and 
after we have mourned for the sins of which he convinces 
us, then he comforts us with inward comfort and consola- 
tion. This Comforter also convinceth us of our formal 
righteousness, when it is only formal, without the power 
of Christ ; and then the soul mourns after the life and 
power of godliness, which indeed is great gain, with true 
contentment ; and hath the promise of the things of this 
life, and of that also which is to come. — Thomas Chalkly. 



Third Month 8.1 



DAILY READINGS. 67 



'* That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried 
about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning crafti- 
ness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But speaking the truth in love, may 
grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ : from whom 
the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint 
supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, ma- 
keth increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."— Eph. iv. 14, 15, 16. 

IT seems more than probable my time will not be pro- 
tracted very long in this probationary state ; and 
through redeeming love and mercy I am enabled to anti- 
cipate the close without dismay; fully believing that 
through the efficacy of the merits and mediation of a cru- 
cified Lord, death will have no sting, nor the grave any 
victory. I mention this in the deepest humility, to satis- 
fy thee on a point in which I know thou wilt feel a deep 
and lively interest, shouldst thou survive me in the jour- 
ney through time. I remain unmoved in all points of 
Christian doctrine as held by our early Friends, and by 
faithful brethren since their time. ***** May 
the feeling of infirmity quicken my diligence in the 
great work of the day, so that when the solemn period 
arrives in which I must bid a final farewell to all visible 
things, I may, through divine mercy, be enabled to 
adopt the language, "Although the earthly house of 
this tabernacle be dissolved, I have a building of God, a 
nouse not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 
There, with the collected just of all generations, I shall 
be for ever with the Lord, employed in the unceasing 
song of thanksgiving and praise to him who is the au- 
thor and finisher of our faith, and who wrought all our 
works in us. — George Withy. 



68 DAILY READINGS. [Third Month 9. 

"And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer ; and while 
they are speaking, I will hear."— Isa. lxv. 24. 

UNTO thee, oh ! my God ! is my heart turned — unto 
thee, who art adorable in mercy — mighty in pow- 
er — wonderful in working — beseeching thee to cleanse 
me thoroughly — to purify my heart — to redeem from 
all those things which do not stand with acceptance in 
thy divine sight. And may it please thee to make dark- 
ness light before me — to lengthen my cords and strength- 
en my stakes — that I may be more bound unto thee, and 
to thy truth, in the covenant of life and of love. And, I 
pray thee, (though I feelingly acknowledge my unwor- 
thiness,) remember my long poverty, and my want of 
the descendings of thy heavenly dew. And oh ! mayst 
thou be pleased to condescend to take up thy abode with 
me, that I may be favored to dwell in thee, and walk in 
thee ; all my thoughts, words, and actions, brought into 
conformity to thy pure will. Thus, gracious, all-power- 
ful Father ! mayst thou help me, thy poor, weak, depend- 
ent creature ; and enable me to serve thee in upright- 
ness, the remainder of my stay here ; living to thy glo- 
ry, and fitted to glorify thy great and excellent name, in 
the world to come — even for ever and ever. — Rachel 
Pease. 

And when faith shall end in vision, 

And when prayer is lost in praise, 
Then shall love in fall fruition 

Justify Thy secret ways. 

—Jane Crbwdson. 



Thibd Month 10.] 



DAILY READINGS. 69 



" So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wis- 
dom. 1 '— Psalm xc. 12. 



I FEEL very desirous that I may keep my place, that 
I may be just what the Almighty would have me to 
be, that his will may be done in me, by me, and through 
me. These lines have been so sweetly revived when in 
a feeble state, and feeling a peaceful calm and quiet, I 
thought I could with propriety adopt them as the pres- 
ent state of my mind : — 

" How are thy servants blest, O Lord! 
How sure is their defense 1 
Eternal Wisdom is their guide ; 
Their help, Omnipotence." 

How comfortable, when we can rightly number and 
appreciate our blessings ! knowing our place of defense 
to be the munitions of rocks, bread to be given us, and 
our water to be sure ; receiving all from the divine hand, 
and experiencing that wisdom which is from above, and 
is profitable to direct in all our movements. May this 
be more and more my happy experience, through the re- 
mainder of my life, that when the evening comes, the 
work may be so completed, that I may receive the an- 
swer of " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord." O blessed change, glo- 
rious triumph ! to be admitted into the mansion of eter- 
nal rest, there to sing praises unto the most high God, 
and the Lamb, who is worthy for ever and ever. — Eliza- 
heth Collins, aged 66, 1821. 

In silence seek the path of peace. 



70 DAILY READINGS. 






[Third Month 11. 



" Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in 
persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake ; for when I am weak, then am 
I strong."— 2 Cor. xii. 10. 

IX the evening my mind was unusually comforta- 
ble and easy ; indeed, I felt something of an humble 
rejoicing, not very frequent with me ; but I desire to be 
willing patiently to endure all the baptisms which are 
seen needful for me, not only on my own account, but 
also on account of the body at large ; yet, she adds, " I 
dare say but little about the latter ; I have so many 
things to strive with, so many wrong propensities that 
might get the better, if I were not thus proved and tried 
— self appears in 80 many different shapes, it would 
intrude itself upon almost every engagement without 
great care ; this left hand of self would, know, and take 
some credit for, what the right hand doeth, even after it 
has been done in sincerity of heart, as unto God, and not 
unto men. Oh, it is a precious thing to be lowly and 
simple-hearted ! to let self be of no reputation, to be will- 
ing to be any thing or nothing, resigned fully either to 
do, or to suffer ! I believe that divine help is never more 
conspicuous than in our weakness, that, under feelings 
of weakness, what we have to deliver, is more pure and 
free from the mixture. — Elizabeth Robson. 

And whilst the sense of conscious sin, 
My trembling soul with anguish shakes, 

And hope thy pardoning love to win, 
My fainting, sinking heart forsakes. 

—Amelia Opib. 



Third Month 12.] 



DAILY* HEADINGS. 71 



u But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the 
power may be of God, and not of us."— 2 Cor. iv. 7. 

IN that love which in time past we have enjoyed to- 
gether, do I heartily salute you, having in mind 
some few things to impart, as counsel and caution to us 
all, including myself therein. 

We who apprehend ourselves called into this public 
station of preaching, ought closely to wait on our guide, 
to put us forth in the work. And, dear friends, I see 
great need for us carefully to mind our openings, and go 
on as we are led by the Spirit ; for if we over-run our 
guide, we shall be confused, not knowing where, or how 
to conclude : but if we begin and go on with the Spirit, 
we shall conclude so, that all who are truly spiritual will 
sensibly feel that we are right : then will our ministry 
edify those who hear it. 

Dear Friends, let us be singly and in sincerity devot- 
ed to the will of God, whether to preach or be silent ; 
for if we are not sensible of such a resignation, we may set 
ourselves at work, when we should be quiet, and so bring 
an uneasiness upon our friends, and a burthen upon our- 
selves. * * And, my dear Friends,every time you ap- 
pear in the ministry, when it is over, examine yourselves 
n arrowly, whether you have kept in your places and to your 
guide; and consider whether you have not used superfluous 
words, that render the matter disagreeable, or such tones 
or gestures as do not become the work we are about, al- 
ways remembering that the true ministers preach not 
themselves, but Christ Jesus our Lord. — Samuel JBovmas. 



72 DAILY READINGS. 



[Third Month 13. 



" And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus : and suddenly there shined 
round about him a light from heaven ." — Acts ix. 3. 

THROUGH adorable mercy, the visitation of the Lord 
was now again extended toward me, by the im- 
mediate openings of the Divine light on my soul. One 
evening, as I was walking in the fields, alone, my mind 
being under no kind of religious concern, nor in the least 
excited by anything I had heard or thought of, I was 
suddenly arrested by what seemed to be an awful voice 
proclaiming the words, " Eternity ! Eternity ! Eternity ! " 
It reached my very soul, — my whole man shook, — it 
brought me, like Saul, to the ground. The great de- 
pravity and sinfulness of my heart were set open before 
me, and the gulf of everlasting destruction to which I 
was verging. I was made bitterly to cry out, " If there 
is no God — doubtless there is a hell." I found myself as 
in the midst of it. For a long time it seemed as if the 
thundering proclamation was yet heard. After that I 
remained almost whole days and nights, exercised in 
prayer that the Lord would have mercy upon me, ex- 
pecting that he would give me some evidence that he 
heard my supplication. But for this I was looking to 
some outward manifestation, my expectation being en- 
tirely of that nature. 

I now took up again the works of William Penn, and 
opened upon " ~No Cross, No Crown." * * I had never 
met with anything of the kind; neither had I felt the 
Divine witness in me operating so powerfully before. — 
Stephen Grellet, aged 22. 



Third Month 14.] 



DAILY READINGS. 73 



" And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall talk of 
them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and 
when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." — Deut. vi. 7. 



AND, dear Friends, it having frequently been recom- 
mended that Friends should be diligent in pro- 
viding schools for the education of their youth ; not only in 
useful and necessary learning, but also to bring them up 
in the fear of God, and in a sense of his holy life upon 
their spirits, and in frequent reading the Holy Scriptures, 
and other good books : so we have accounts from divers 
parts of this kingdom, that Friends are in practice thereof, 
and have had good success on their endeavors therein ; 
yet we have also accounts, that there is in some places 
want of schools. And (as hath been advised in the 
epistle of this meeting, Anno 1709), "Where Friends 
want ability, their monthly and quarterly meetings 
are desired to assist them, that the children of the poor 
may have due help of education, instruction, and neces- 
sary learning ; and that the children both of rich and 
poor may be early provided with industrious employ- 
ments, that they may not grow up in idleness, loose- 
ness and vice ; but that, being thus seasoned with the 
truth, sanctified of God, and taught our holy, self-deny- 
ing way, they may appear a reputation to our holy 
profession, and the comfort of their honest parents." 

And, dear Friends, with respect to the poor among 
us, it ought to be considered, that the poor (both par- 
ents and children) are of our family, and ought not to be 
turned off to any others. — London Epistle, 1718. 



74. DAILY READINGS. 



[Third ?»1onth 15, 



" Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able 
by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsaye^."— Titus i. 9. 

AN humble reliance on the teachings of the Spirit, and 
a diligent use of the sacred Scriptures, were the 
means of leading our forefathers into all those distin- 
guishing views and practices which are described in their 
writings. If this be true, and we have abundant reason 
for believing it to be so, what ought to be our course ? 
Shall we turn our backs on our high Christian views of 
the spirituality of true worship ? Shall we return to cere- 
monial and figurative rites ? Shall we make way in our 
meetings for a ministry which one man may prepare, 
and another appoint ? Shall we cease from our testimony 
against all pecuniary corruption in the church ? Shall we 
forget the sweetness and solemnity of true silence ? Shall 
we surrender our Saviour's standard of the yea and nay, 
and no longer refuse an oath when expediency is sup- 
posed to demand it ? Shall we, after all our peaceable pro- 
fessions, recur to the warfare of the world ? Shall Ave for- 
sake our simplicity in dress and language, and break 
down a hedge which so usefully protects many of our 
beloved young people from the vanities of the world ? In 
short, shall we renounce that %moending adherence to the 
rule of right in which our forefathers were distinguished ? 
If such, through the wiles of Satan, should be our course, 
how awful and affecting must be the consequence. The 
gracious purpose for which we were raised up to be a peo- 
ple will be frustrated through our want of faithfulness. — 
Joseph John Gurney. 



Third Month 16.] DAILY READINGS. 75 

11 Love not the world, neither the things in the world. If any man love the 
world, the love of the Father is not in him."—l John ii. 15. 

TO all you, my dear Friends, who have tasted of the 
immediate working power of the Lord, and do 
find an alteration in your minds, and do see from whence 
virtue doth come, and strength, that doth renew the in- 
ward man, and doth refresh you ; draws you in love to 
forsake the world, and that which hath form and beauty 
in it to the eye of the world; and hath turned your 
minds within, which see your houses foul, and corrup- 
tions strong, and the way narrow and straight which 
leads to life eternal ; to all I say, wait upon God in that 
which is pure. Though you see little, and know little, 
and have little, and see your emptyness, and see your 
nakedness, and barrenness, and unfruitfulness, and see 
the hardness of your heart and your own unworthiness ; 
it is the light that discovers all this, and the love of God 
to you, and it is that which is immediate, but the dark 
understanding cannot comprehend it. So, wait upon 
God in that which is pure, in your measure, and stand 
still in it every one, to make you to see your Saviour, to 
make you free from that which the Light doth discover 
to you to be evil. For the voice of the Bridegroom is 
heard in our land ; and Christ is come amongst the pris- 
oners, to visit them in the prison-houses ; they have all 
hopes of releasement and free pardon, and to come out 
freely, for the debt is paid ; wait for the manifestation 
of it, and he that comes out of the prison shall reign. — 
George Fox. 



76 DAILY READINGS. [Third Month 17. 

" Thus saith the Lord of hosts ; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten 
men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of 
the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you ; for w y e have heard 
that God is with you."— Zechariah viii. 23. 

THE fields in many parts I have visited are white 
unto harvest, so that sometimes I have wished that 
I might have the life of Methusalah, or that the sun might 
never go down, that I might do my share of that great 
work which is to be done in these nations. There is a 
most precious seed in these parts, and in places where I 
have not actually visited it. O, did our Society stand 
faithful, what a blessing they might become ! Many are 
ready to gather to the standard of truth, from among 
all the various denominations and ranks. I have been 
with rich and poor, princes and princesses, Protestant 
ministers and Popish priests, all speaking but one lan- 
guage, not upholding forms and ceremonies, but Christ 
and his spirit. I have visited various of those Romish 
priests in Bavaria, of whom we had heard, and have found 
them to be spiritually-minded men. I am nearly united 
to some of them. A few have married, and have answered 
those who have come to visit them on that account, out of 
the Scriptures, and the practice of the Primitive Church ; 
and they continue Romish priests still, much beloved by 
the people, among whom they exercise a good influence. 
* * * Some of their priests told me, that they believed 
it to be their duty to remain in their places for the sake 
of the people about them, and to help others to come into 
the same spirituality. — Stephen Grellet, aged 40. 



Third Month 18.] 



DAILY READINGS. 77 



" For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world : and this is the vic- 
tory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh 
the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God ? "—1 John v. 4, 5. 

THERE are few passages in Scripture that have 
been more animating or comforting to me than 
the promises in the Revelations to those who overcome. 
I have dwelt on them with a peculiar interest, and I be- 
lieve with a renewed desire for us who remain, that we 
may with more faith, more humility, and more entire 
and simple obedience, enlist under the banner of the 
Captain of our salvation, that we may follow Him 
whithersoever He leadeth us, that we may trust in Him 
with our whole hearts, until we know the victory to be 
obtained through Him over sin and the world, and over 
death. * * * It is indeed the prayer of my heart, my 
dearest Joseph, that thou mightest be encouraged and en- 
abled yet to go on, yet to press forward in every religi- 
ous, domestic, and public duty, in quietness and humility, 
"not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the 
Lord." When the curtain drops, and the scene closes 
here, how is then every sacrifice in the cause of religion, 
how is every act of faith and obedience to be prized ; how 
inestimable do they become as evidences of that grace by 
which alone we are saved ! Whilst thus separated from 
the world, and withdrawn from service, and feeling of 
my own poverty and littleness in every way, the desire 
is still lively for the faithful servants of the Lord, that 
they may be steadfast and immovable, always abound- 
ing in the work of the Lord. — Priscilla Gurney, 1816. 



78 DAILY READINGS. 



[Third Month 19. 



" Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee 
from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them 
that dwell upon the earth."— Rev. iii. 10. 

DOMESTIC life presents many opportunities for the 
exercise of virtue, as well as the more exalted 
stations of honor and ambition. For, though its sphere 
is more humble, and its transactions are less splendid, 
yet the duties peculiarly incumbent on it constitute the 
basis of all public character. Perfection in private life 
is by far the more arduous attainment of the two ; since 
it involves a higher degree of virtue, to acquire the cool 
and silent admiration of constant and close observers, 
than to catch the undistinguishing applause of the vul- 
gar. Men, accustomed to the business of the world, may 
think it a mean occupation to be engaged in the duties of a 
family. * * * How many daily occasions there are 
for the exercise of patience, forbearance, benevolence, 
good humor, cheerfulness, candor, sincerity, compassion, 
self-denial ! How many instances occur of satirical hints, 
of ill-natured witticisms, of fretfulness, impatience, strife, 
and envyings ; besides those of disrespect, discontent, 
sloth, and very many other seeds of evil, the magnitude 
of which is perhaps small, but for the guilt of which we 
shall most assuredly be judged. When we consider that 
private life also has its trials, temptations, and troubles, 
it ought surely to make us vigilant, when around our 
own fire-side, lest we should quiet our apprehensions, 
and cease from our daily watchfulness. — John Barclay r , 
1814. 



Thied Month 20.] DAILY READINGS. 79 

" I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. 1 '— Psaini xvii. 15. 

I WAS sweetly comforted by what seemed too clear 
and distinct for a dream. I thought I saw a num- 
ber of persons, whose countenance betokened perfect 
happiness — they smiled upon me, and said they were 
praying for me. At first I thought they were Christians 
on earth, but I was afterwards made sensible that they 
were some of the blest inhabitants of Zion; and oh, I do 
rejoice in believing, that, when permitted to join their 
happy band, I may thus be engaged on behalf of the many 
loved ones I must leave behind me in the wilderness. O, 
may you have your every want supplied, as mine have 
been, when you may need the care I have so abundantly 
experienced. Oh, how delightful rest will be after this ; 
but I do not think I desire even rest so much as to be 
where I shall be free from all wandering thoughts — for 
ever free from the tempter. * * * 

At this time she repeatedly said, Oh, keep close to the 
Saviour ! Christ is all to me now — Oh, make him your 
friend ! Her remarkable self-possession was at this solemn 
hour strikingly evinced. Having closed her eyes as she 
believed for ever on all earthly things, when all about her 
thought she had ceased to breathe, a sudden reaction 
caused her to exclaim : Oh ! I'm coming back again. 
Don't, oh, don't grieve ; think how short a separation ours 
will be ; I am going only a little before — I shall see His 
face and never, never sin. — Memoir of Mary Ann Gilpin^ 
London, 1838. 



80 DAILY READINGS. 



[Third Month 21. 



" But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, 
even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of 
great price. ,, - r 1 Peter iii. 4. 

THE day-star of Truth has arisen in thy heart ; fol- 
low thou its light even unto salvation. Live an 
harmonious life to the curious make and frame of thy 
creation ; and let the beauty of thy person teach thee to 
beautify thy mind with holiness — the ornament of the 
beloved of God. Remember that the King of Zion's 
daughter is all glorious within, and if thy soul excel, thy 
body will also set off the luster of thy mind. Let not 
the spirit of this world — its cares and its many vanities, 
its fashions and discourse — prevail over the civility of 
thy nature. Remember that sin brought the first coat, 
and thou wilt have little reason to be proud of dress, or 
the adorning of thy body. Seek rather the enduring or- 
nament of a meek and quiet spirit — the beauty and the 
purity of the altar of God's temple, rather than the dec- 
oration of its outward walls. For, as the Spartan mon- 
arch said, of old, to his daughter, when he restrained her 
from wearing the rich dresses of Sicily: "Thou wilt 
seem more lovely to me without them ; " — so shalt thou 
seem, in thy loveliness and humility, more lovely in the 
sight of heaven, and in the eyes of the pure of earth. Oh ! 
preserve in their freshness thy present feelings ; wait in 
humble resignation and in patience, even if it be all thy 
days, for the manifestations of him who " as a father 
careth for all his children." — Wm. JPenn. 



Third Month 22.] DAILY READINGS. 81 

" Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach nnto it the preaching 
that I bid thee."— Jonah iii. 2. 

I AM far from confining this influence to the ministers 
of our little Society, but assuredly believe that those 
who are brought under the immediate teachings of the 
Spirit, under every profession, will be more convinced 
that they cannot preach to profit the people, in their own 
will and at their own command ; and that as true and 
spiritual religion prevails, they must in this respect come 
to us, and not we go to them. Yet still it is certainly a 
day of much excitement and of danger, especially to the 
young and una wakened ; and there never was a time 
when the members of our Society were more loudly called 
apon to watch unto prayer, both on their own account 
and on account of others, humbly to implore, not only 
that the Holy Spirit may not be taken from us, but that 
a greater effusion of it may be poured upon us as a body, 
that so we may all be made and kept alive in Him in whom 
is life, and the life is the light of men. I believe this 
would be much more our experience, if the things of this 
world were kept in subjection by fervent daily prayer 
and the obedience of faith, which remain to be the means 
pointed out by our gracious Redeemer, of communion 
with the Father through Him. What can be more pure 
than the profession we make, to be guided by the Holy 
Spirit ? And if we really are so, we shall be concerned to 
maintain this daily exercise of heart before the Lord, and 
yet become what I reverently believe is his gracious will 
respecting us. — Martha Yeardley, 1830. 



82 DAILY READINGS. [Third Month 23 

" For by thee I have run through a troop ; and by my God I have leaped over 
a wall.' 1 — Psalm xviii. 29. 

aREAT and manifold have been the mercies of our 
God unto his people, in this his day ; and his lov- 
ing-kindnesses are beyond expressing. When we were 
young and little, his fatherly care was over us ; he pre- 
served and nourished us, and caused us to grow up be- 
fore him. 

How did he carry his lambs in his bosom, when the 
beasts of prey roared on every side, seeking to devour ! 
Who can rehearse the many deliverances He hath 
wrought for his people, in their passage from spiritual 
Egypt! How hath he girded their loins with strength, 
and covered their heads in the day of battle ! How hath 
He subdued their enemies before them, and put to flight 
the armies of aliens ! 

Oh ! his goodness is unutterable, and his faithfulness 
hath never failed them that trust in him. When have 
we been in prison for His sake, and He hath not visited 
and comforted us there ? In all our exercises He hath 
been with us, and He hath stood by us in our sorest tri- 
als ; yea, he hath caused his angel to encamp round about 
us, so that no weapon formed against us hath prospered. 

These things and much more I could write, ye, my 
dear friends, have been witness of ; ye, especially my elder 
brethren, who were called early in the morning of this 
day, and have stood faithful in your testimony until now. 
Blessed be His Holy name ; and exalted and magnified 
be His glorious power forever. — Thomas JEllwood^ 1694. 



Third Month 24.] 



DAILY READINGS. 83 



" Weep with them that weep. 1 '— Rom. xii. 15. 



I DOUBT not thou* hast had many affectionate, sym- 
pathizing, consoling salutations from thy numerous 
friends, in thy present solitary state ; and, should these 
be withheld, yet thou knowest where and in whom are hid 
all the fresh springs of true consolation, as well as all the 
treasures of wisdom and knowledge ; yet I had a mind to 
throw in my mite of comfort, having myself been tried in 
like manner, with the privation of a bosom-friend and 
partner in the causes and comforts of this life, and a faith- 
ful, religious helpmate. Infinite wisdom has seen meet to 
take away from thee the desire of thine eyes, with a stroke ; 
but the reflection of thy having been favored with so excel- 
lent a companion — the recollection of the many pleasant, 
profitable seasons which you had together, and a sense of the 
spiritual benefit which has accrued from your near connec- 
tion must be attended with a savor and consolatory feel- 
ing which sweetens the bitter cup. Thy tender care of 
this eminent, honorable servant, thy attention to her wants 
of every kind, and thy constant promoting and assisting 
her in the great work and service in which she was en- 
gaged on earth, must also be a solid satisfaction to thy 
mind. So that I wish thee to be cheered, to look up, to 
be encouraged to attend to the civil and religious duties 
of the remaining part of thy day. — Richard Shackleton, 
1191. 

* Husband of Sarah Grubb. 



84 DAILY READINGS. 



[Third Month 95. 



" They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. * * * 
and in a moment go down to the grave. 1 '— Job xxi. 12, 15. 

SHALL we cultivate the talent * and give wings to 
the fascination ? or shall we gently divert the 
taste and feelings of our pupils into some less excep- 
tional channel ? 

When I call to mind the corruption of the human 
heart, the follies and vices of the world, the enticements 
of the concert and the opera, and the easy access 
afforded, by superior skill in music, to the center of fash- 
ionable life, I am constrained to confess that the latter 
appears to me much the safer alternative. I am acquainted 
with many families of young people in which the study 
of music is entirely avoided ; and I have sometimes been 
thrown in the way of other families in which that study 
has been sedulously enforced and practiced. I have ob- 
served that mental cultivation, practical usefulness, and 
sober domestic duties, are, in general, more prevalent in 
the former than in the latter classes of families ; and I can 
fully subscribe to a sentiment which was once expressed 
to me by the late excellent Hannah More, that it is no 
venial error on the part of serious professors of religion, 
to allow and encourage their daughters to spend those 
livelong hours, which might have been devoted to truly 
beneficial pursuits, in the ceaseless, tiresome touch of the 
harpsichord or piano-forte. — J. J. Gurney. 

* Music. 
The truest end of life is to know the life that never ends. 






Thied Month 26.] 



DAILY READINGS. 85 



M And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; and 
they that turn many to righteousness as the stars, for ever and ever." — Daniel 
xii. 3. 

THIS holy man, George Fox, was raised up by God, in 
an extraordinary manner, for an extraordinary 
work, even to awaken the sleeping world, by proclaiming 
the mighty day of the Lord to the nations, and publishing 
again the everlasting Gospel to the inhabitants of the earth, 
after the long and dismal night of apostasy and darkness. 

For this work the Lord began to prepare him by many 
and various trials and exercises from his very childhood : 
and being fitted and furnished for it, he called him into it 
very young, and made him instrumental, by the effectual 
working of the Holy Ghost through his ministry, to call 
many others into the same work, and to turn many thou- 
sands from darkness to the lio;ht of Christ, and from the 
power of Satan unto God. 

I knew him not until the year 1660 ; from that time to 
the time of his death I knew him well, conversed with him 
often, observed him much, loved him dearly, and honored 
him truly ; and upon good experience can say, he was 
indeed an heavenly-minded man, zealous for the name of 
the Lord, and preferred the honor of God before all things. 

He was valiant for the Truth, bold in asserting it, pa- 
tient in suffering for it, unwearied in laboring in it, steady 
in his testimony to it, immovable as a rock. Deep he was 
in divine knowledge, clear in opening heavenly mysteries, 
plain and powerful in preaching, fervent in prayer. 
— Thomas Ellwood, 1680. 



86 DAILY READINGS. 



[Third Month 27. 



"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, 
the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day. "—2 Timothy iv. 8. 

S~^\ EORGE FOX was richly endowed with heavenly 
vIT" wisdom, quick in discerning, sound in judgment, 
able and ready in giving, discreet in keeping counsel, a 
lover of righteousness, an encourager of virtue, temper- 
ance, meekness, purity, chastity, modesty, humility, char- 
ity, and self-denial in all, both by word and example. 

Graceful he was in countenance, manly in personage, 
grave in gesture, courteous in conversation, weighty in 
communication, instructive in discourse, free from affecta- 
tion in speech or carriage. A severe reprover of hard 
and obstinate sinners, a mild and gentle admonisher of 
such as were tender and sensible of their failings. * * 

He lived to see the desire of his soul, the spreading of 
that blessed principle of divine light, through many of 
the European nations, and not a few of the American 
islands and provinces, and the gathering of many thou- 
sands into an establishment therein of which the Lord 
vouchsafed him the honor to be the first effectual pub- 
lisher, in this latter age of the world. And having fought 
a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith, his 
righteous soul, freed from the earthly tabernacle, was 
translated into those heavenly mansions, where Christ our 
Lord went to prepare a place for his own ; there to pos- 
sess the glorious crown which is laid up for, and shall be 
given by the Lord, the righteous Judge, to all that love 
his appearance. — Thomas Ellwood, 1690. 



Third Month 28.] 



DAILY READINGS. 87 



" Rejoice, and be exceeding glad ; for great is yonr reward in heaven : for so 
persecuted they the prophets which were before you. " — Matt. v. 12. 

PERSECUTION is a word of so harsh a sound, and 
so generally distasteful to English ears, that 
scarcely any of those who are most forward and active 
in that work are willing to have their actions called by 
that name. 

By persecution I mean a forcing or compelling of any, 
by painS or penalties, bodily or pecuniary, to relinquish 
or forsake that exercise of religion, or way of worship, 
which they believe to be the right way of worship, and the 
true and acceptable exercise of religion, which God hath 
required of them ; and to receive, embrace, conform to, 
and perform some other exercise of religion and way of 
worship, which they who are so compelled are either 
firmly persuaded is not right, or at least have no belief 
that it is right. This, in short, is that which I call per- 
secution ; and this is that which I dissuade from, what- 
ever other name the actors of it may please themselves 
in calling it by. * * * 

Have we not always been a quiet, peaceable, harmless 
people ? When, being reviled, did we revile ? or when, 
being persecuted, did we not patiently suffer it ? Do you 
think to root us out, and destroy God's heritage ? It is 
impossible. The root of Jesse bears us; and upon tho 
immovable rock are we immovably built. — Thomas Ell- 
wood, 1683. 

Industry leads to wealth ; Piety to heaven. 



88 DAILY READINGS. 



[Third Month 29. 



" I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they 
shall trust in the name of the Lord.' 1 — Zeph. iii. 12. 

HAVE not many of us been already stript of all 
their outward substance ? — not a bed being left 
them to lie on — not a stool to sit on — not a dish to eat 
from ! Is there a prison in the nation, or a dungeon in a 
prison, which has not been a witness of our groaning ? 
Have we not been tried by banishment, and proved by 
death itself ? Death in New England, by the hand of the 
hangman ! death in Old England by the rough hand of 
rude and boisterous officers and soldiers, who have given 
divers of our friends those blows which in a few days 
have brought them to their graves ! 

I might add to these, burning in the forehead, cut- 
ting off ears, unmerciful beatings, whippings, and cruel 
scourgings. But did any or all of these deter us from 
the worship of God ? Nay ! hath not our cheerfully 
undergoing all these hardships sufficiently evinced to 
the world that our religion and consciences are dearer 
to us than our estates, our liberties, our limbs, or our 
lives ? Why, then, will you repeat severities upon us, 
which have so often been tried before in vain ? Can you 
take pleasure in putting others to pain, and delight your- 
selves in afflicting others ? * * * 

Think not the worse of us for our faithfulness to 
our God ! He that is true to God will be true to man 
also ; but he that is false and treacherous to God, how 
is it likely he should be true to man? — Thomas Ellwood, 
1683. 



Third Month 30.] 



DAILY READINGS. 89 



" In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."— Proverbs 
iii. 6. 

I ENTERED into an agreement with a man in the 
borough to instruct me in shoe-making ; for which 
I was to give him more than half of my small savings. 
Yet I trusted if I kept close to my good Guide in my 
future steppings, he would so direct me that time would 
evince to my friends that I had not been deceived in the 
step I had taken. The billows at times would rise very 
high one after another; yet to my humbling admiration, 
I had to acknowledge to the praise of that great Power, 
which I believe had led me into this tribulated path, that 
they all passed over me. My little surplus of money 
wasted fast, and my earning* were very small, not allow- 
ing me, for the first year, more than bread, cheese and 
water, and sometimes bread only, to keep clear of debt, 
which I carefully avoided. Setting constantly on my 
seat at work was hard for me ; so I might say, I worked 
hard and fared hard. In a while it appeared better I 
should free myself from my instructor, and begin as a 
master for myself, having offers of plenty of employ- 
ment. * 

After T had settled in my new situation a few months, 
my health began to decline. My debility so increased 
that the doctors advised my leaving London altogether ; 
the thoughts of doing which, and having new connections 
to seek, was a fresh trial of my faith. I turned my 
attention to Tottenham, where there was a large body of 
Friends. — Thomas Shillitoe, Tottenham, England, 1781. 



90 DAILY READINGS. 



[Third Month 31. 



M There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth 
more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.' 1 — Prov. xi. 24. 

MARY HAGGER was again and again permitted 
to feel the influence of the Divine Spirit con- 
straining her to testify to others of the Lord's goodness ; 
yet, many were her discouragements, and frequent work 
was made for fresh repentance, in the withholding more 
than was meet ; retracing her steps required more faith 
than a simple acting at first had done. 

She thus expresses herself in after life, in revert- 
ing to this time of trial : " I have abundant cause to ad- 
mire and reverence the Great Name, that his preserving 
arm has been round about me, and his tender mercies 
are lengthening out still. When I have been mourning 
over my infirmities, I have fully believed, that had I been 
more resigned, the grand enemy could not have caused 
so long a wilderness travel ; but He knows I am one of a 
sad heart, and very apt to take discouragement. Were 
it not for the sweet feelings of peace mercifully granted, 
when ability is afforded to give up requirings of duty, 
as I apprehend, my little faith, like poor Peter's, would 
fail, and I should sink under the weight of my frequent 
unwatchfulness and want of more firm resolution." 

In reviving these circumstances to her intimate friends, 
Mary Hagger would speak of them with tears of grati- 
tude to him who had delivered her out of all her afflic- 
tions. — Memoranda of Mary Hagger, by W. and T. 
Evans. 1843. 



Fourth Month 1.] DAILY READINGS. 91 



41 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over 
his household, to give them meat in due season ? Blessed is that servant, 
whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.' 1 — Matt. xxiv. 45, 46. 

I BELIEVE if young persons were more fully open, 
and implicitly given up to acts of dedication appa- 
rently small, and were willing to go, to stay, to do, or 
to forbear in minor matters, as seems best, that they 
would thrive more vigorously in religious stature and 
strength. One thing after another came gradually be- 
fore the view of my mind ; all that I had to do, or be- 
lieve was required at my hands, came not upon me 
at once ; for there was no hard task-master to obey, but 
one who knew my weakness, and my inability to give 
up even to the least matter of duty, without His special 
aid. As I was concerned to keep my eyes open, to see 
whatever He might shew me was to be given up to, — 
and to my desire from day to day unto him, and the ac- 
complishment of His will respecting me, — first one thing, 
then another, at seasons open before me with sufficient 
clearness: sometimes these apprehended duties were 
very little matters ; at other times they were of fearfully 
great importance ; and often were they of a nature and 
complexion, which the worldly-wise part in myself and 
in others could not bear or understand. Yet after hav- 
ing gone through and been favored to stand faithful in 
the performance of these things, I have often seen the 
propriety of them ; and I have felt it a precious thing to 
be " led about and instructed " so suitably, so seasona- 
bly, so safely. — John Barclay, 1818. 



92 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fourth Month £ 



''For that which is highly esteemed among men, is an abomination in the 
sight of God.'"— Luke xvi. 15. 

SIR WM. PENN is remembered chiefly as the father 
of the Quaker legislator, and holds from that 
connection a larger place in the view of posterity than 
from any other cause. 

While the name of the father is merged in the count- 
less mass of military characters who are seldom men- 
tioned or thought of, the name of the son stands con- 
spicuous among the greatest benefactors of our race. 
The history of the province which bears his name proves 
conclusively the superiority of the gospel plan above the 
policy of the world. He had had the honor of proving 
that the tomahawk and scalping knife of the savage may 
be stripped of their terrors by the lenient spirit of the 
gospel. Which would the most eager aspirants after 
fame prefer, if they could command it with a wish : to be 
Admiral Penn, with the scanty rays of military renown 
that now surround his memory, or to be William 
Penn, the Quaker founder of Pennsylvania ; * * * 
whose name is transmitted with reverence from genera- 
tion to generation amongst the untutored inhabitants of 
the wilderness ; whose character is most admired where 
it is best understood ; and who, when the day arrives, " in 
which nation shall no longer lift up sword against na- 
tion," will be remembered as one who gave the influence 
of eminent abilities and a conspicuous station, to pro- 
mote the advancement of the Messiah's peaceful reign. — 
Enoch Lewis, Philadelphia, 1852. 



Fourth Month 3.] DAILY READINGS. 93 

" And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I 
perceived that this also is vexation of the spirit."— Eccl. i. 17. 

I THEN had my conversation much among people of 
no religion, being ashamed to be counted religious, 
or do anything that was called religious. In this restless 
state I let in every sort of notion that rose in that day, 
and for a time applied myself to examine them, and get 
out of them whatever good could be found; but still sor- 
row and trouble was the end of all. I was at length 
ready to conclude that though the Lord and His truth 
were certain, yet they are not now made known to any 
upon earth ; and I determined no more to inquire or 
look after God. 

So for some time I took no notice of any religion, but 
minded recreation, as it is called ; and went after it into 
many excesses and vanities — as foolish mirth, carding, 
dancing, and singing. I frequented music assemblies, 
and made vain visits where there were jovial feastings. 
But in the midst of all this my heart was often sad and 
pained beyond expression. I was not hurried into those 
follies by being captivated by them, but from not hav- 
ing found in religion what I had sought and longed after. 
I would often say within myself, what are they all to me ? 
I could easily leave all this ; for it hath not my heart, 
it is not my delight, it hath not power over me. I had 
rather serve the Lord, if I could indeed feel and know 
that which would be acceptable to Him. 

O Lord suffer me no more to fall in with any false 
way, but show me the Truth. — Mary Spring ett, 1650. 



94: DAILY READINGS. 



[Fourth Month 4. 



u And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them naught. ,, — Jer. xiv. 5. 

BEFORE he was eighteen years of age, William 
Penn had been sent to the Continent by his father, 
Admiral Penn, for the purpose not only of ordinary travel, 
but especially to have spread before him the allurements 
of a gay courtly life, in their most fascinating forms. By 
this means the father hoped to supplant and drive away 
the serious impressions his mind had received when an 
Oxford student, from the Quaker preaching of Thomas 
Loe. 

William Penn was expelled from the University for 
refusing to wear the college cap and gown ; for discuss- 
ing among his fellow students the wickedness and 
absurdity of religious persecution ; and, more especially, 
for asserting the scriptural truth of Quaker doctrines. 
No gentle measures awaited his return home after his ex- 
pulsion. But it was in vain that the stern, authoritative 
admiral insisted on the abandonment of every new religi- 
ous idea the son had taken up. 

Personal flagellation and solitary confinement followed, 
till the father became aware that the religious convictions 
even of a vouth of sixteen or seventeen were not so to 

m 

be overcome. At length, when severity failed, continen- 
tal travel was resolved on, and no arrangements were 
spared that could render it attractive. William Penn 
went abroad under the highest auspices, and with the 
companionship his father entirely approved of. — Penns 
and Peningtons. 



Fourth Month5.] 



DAILY READINGS. 95 



" Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have 
tender grapes. 1 ' — Solomon's Songs ii. 15. 

IX little more than two years, Wm. Penn returned 
without any visible remains of the Quaker predi- 
lections of his Oxford life. He had acquired the air and 
bearing of a noble young cavalier, and, withal, manifested 
such powers of thought and conversation, ability in 
speaking of what he had observed abroad, that his father 
and mother were delighted. 

It was evident he had just seen enough of courtly life 
to be transiently dazzled by its exterior graces, without 
having been tainted by its vices. A considerable portion 
of those two years had been spent in perfecting his theo- 
logical studies in France, under the guidance of Moses 
Amyrault, a learned professor of divinity of the Re- 
formed French Church. 

And now that he had returned home, the admiral, con- 
scious that his active mind must have real occupation, 
proposed that he should be entered as a student of law at 
Lincoln's Inn. Thus, too, he hoped to perfect the edu- 
cation of the son whom he expected to succeed him in 
the peerage, which was already awaiting his acceptance 
under the title of Lord Weymouth. 

His father marked the serious thoughtfulness of his 
manner, and his manifest desire to withdraw from fash- 
ionable life. In remembrance of the past, he became 
alarmed, and forthwith resolved to send his son on a visit 
to his friend, the Duke of Ormond, then Lord Deputy 
in Ireland. — JPenns and JPeningtons. 



96 DAILY READINGS. [Fourth Month 6. 

" To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will 
give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name. "—Rev. ii. 17. 

BUT an important crisis was now at hand, which 
changed the whole current of his * life. Another 
and very different course of discipline was ere long as- 
signed him by the Lord of all, preparing his heart and his 
hands to war in the cause of God and His righteousness. 

Whilst Admiral Penn in England was pluming himself 
on the triumphs of his worldly prudence, his son, on oc- 
casion of one of his frequent visits to Cork, heard by ac- 
cident that Thomas Loe, his old Oxford acquaintance, was 
in the city, and " intended to preach that night." He 
thought of his boyish enthusiasm when at college, and 
wondered how the preacher's eloquence would stand the 
censures of his riper judgment. Curiosity prompted him 
to stay and listen. The fervid orator took for his text, 
the passage, " There is a faith that overcomes the world, 
and there is a faith that is overcome by the world." Pos- 
sessed of strong religious feeling, but at the same time 
docile and affectionate, he had hitherto oscillated between 
two duties ; duty to God, and duty to his father. * * * 

On the other, there were only the low whisperings 
in his own heart. But that still voice would not be si- 
lenced. Often as he had escaped from thought into 
business or gay life, the moment of repose brought back 
the old memories. From that night he was a Quaker in 
heart. — Penns and Peningtons. 

* Wm. Penn. 



Fourth Month 8.1 



DAILY READINGS. 97 



" Ths son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father 
bear the iniquity of the son ; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon 
him. 1 '— Ezekiel xviii. 20. 

WM. PENN'S father, actuated by natural love, aim- 
ing at his son's temporal honor ; he guided by a 
divine impulse, having chiefly in view the truth of God 
and his own eternal welfare. His father grieved to see 
the well-accomplished son of his hopes, now ripe for 
worldly promotion, voluntarily turning his back on it ; he 
no less afflicted to think that a compliance with his earthly 
father's pleasure was inconsistent with obedience to his 
Heavenly Father. 

The earthly parent pressing conformity to the fashions 
and customs of the times, earnestly entreating and be- 
seeching him to yield to this desire ; the son, of a loving 
and tender disposition, in an extreme agony of spirit to 
behold his father's trouble, modestly craving leave to 
refrain from what would hurt his conscience ; and, when 
not granted, solemnly declaring that he could not yield ; 
his father thereon threatening to disherit him ; he humbly 
resigning all things of that sort to his father's will, who, 
perceiving that neither entreaty nor threats prevailed, 
turned his back on him in anger ; and the son lifted up 
his heart to God for strength to sustain him in that time 
of bitter trial. 

When all the admiral's endeavors proved ineffectual 
to shake William's resolutions, the disconcerted father, 
unable any longer to endure him in his sight, fairly turned 
him out of doors. — Life of Wm. Penn, 1665. 



98 DAILY READINGS. jFourth Month 7. 

" Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world : if my kingdom were of 
this world, then would my servants fight."— John xviii. 36. 

THE declarations of Jesus Christ evidently show that, 
though he came to set up a kingdom on earth, yet 
it was to be of a nature and in a manner totally different 
from those of the kingdoms of this world. His precepts 
and example prove that love to God and love to man were 
the first laws of his dominion, that it was not to be upheld 
by violence or deceit, but that his subjects were to be 
those who listened and were obedient to the truth. 

The prophet Daniel foretold it in these remarkable 
terms : — " Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was 
cut out of the mountain without hands ; and that it brake 
in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the 
gold : in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven 
set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed ; and 
the kingdom shall not be left to other people, for it shall 
break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it 
shall stand for ever." 

Christ declared, " The kingdom of God cometh not 
with observation ; neither shall they say, lo here, or lo 
there ; for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." 
His Holy Spirit, which bears rule there, is not of an out- 
ward or tangible nature, but influences and governs the 
minds, consciences, and souls of men. " And when Jesus 
perceived that they would come, and take him by force, 
to make him a king, he departed into a mountain alone." 
—John Allen, England, 1853. 






Foubth Month 9 ] DAILY READINGS. 99 

"Go and loose the sackcloth from thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy 
foot. Aud he did so, walking naked and barefoot.' 1 — Isa. xx. 2 

THEREFORE was I commanded of the Lord to 
pass through your streets covered with sackcloth 
and ashes, calling you to repentance, that ye might yet 
be more awakened, and alarmed to take notice of the 
Lord's voice calling unto you ; and not to despise these 
things which belong to your peace, whilst your day last- 
eth, lest hereafter they be hid from your eyes. And the 
command of the Lord concerning this thing came unto 
me that very morning as I awakened, and the burden 
thereof was very great ; yea, seemed almost insupportable 
unto me (for such a thing until that very moment had 
never entered me before, not in the most remote consiclera 
tion.) And some whom I called, to declare to them this 
thing, can bear witness how great was the agony of my 
spirit; how I besought the Lord with tears that this 
cup might pass away from me ; yea, how the pillars of 
my tabernacle were shaken, and how exceedingly my 
bones trembled, until I freely gave up to the Lord's will. 
And this was the end and tendency of my testimony, to 
call you to repentance, by this signal and singular step; 
which I, as to my own will and inclination, was unwill- 
ing to be found in, as the worst and wickedest of 
you can be averse from receiving or laying it to heart. 
Let all and every one of you, in whom there is yet alive 
the least regard to God, or his fear, consider and weigh 
this matter in the presence of God, and by the spirit of 
Jesus Christ in your hearts. — Robert Barclay. 



100 DAILY READINGS. [Fourth Month 10. 

44 1 will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without 
wrath and doubting."— 1 Tim. ii. 8. 

O FATHER of all creatures, Author and Creator of 
all good, condescend, I beseech thee, in thy never- 
failing mercy, to instruct us, who are the workmanship of 
thy hands, how w r e shall come before thy throne with an 
acceptable sacrifice. 

Whilst in this world of doubt and perplexity, wander- 
ing in the mazes of error, and bewildered in the paths of 
uncertainty, do Thou, O God, enlighten our understand- 
ings, and make us perfect in that knowledge which 
maketh wise unto salvation. Suffer not our minds to be 
cast down with finding our incapacity of clearly discov- 
ering those things which thou hast placed beyond our 
reach ; but grant, O Father of Mercies, that we may rest 
satisfied with those capacities which thou hast given us ; 
and be content to walk in humility and fear before thee, 
waiting for the glorious appearance of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ, when that veil which now obscures 
our sight shall be drawn aside, and we shall see things 
clearly, as face to face. Suffer not our minds to be 
puffed up with the vanity of fruitless inquiries into things 
beyond our depth, but rather let us endeavor to acquire 
meekness and humility of heart, the most truly valuable 
accomplishments; that through the assistance of thy 
holy Spirit we may shine as lights in the world, and live to 
the praise and glory of thy name, desiring that our spirits 
may be bowed before thee in reverence, and in thanksgiv- 
ing for thy mercies. — Margaret Woods, 1V72, aged 24. 



Fourth Month 11.] DAILY READINGS. 101 

" The days of our years are threescore years and ten ; and if by reason of 
strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow ; for it 
is soon cut off, and we fly away."— Psalm xc. 10. 

I OFTEN struggle for resignation, and a more com- 
plete acquiescence to the Divine will. 1 can say, 
with the Apostle Paul, "I keep under my body, and 
bring it into subjection ; " but I do not feel capable of 
exerting the s^me influence over my mind. I believe this 
can only be effected by the operation of that Power who 
can " subdue all things unto himself." He watches over 
all the workmanship of his hands, and his providence is 
continually hovering over us for good. His power is the 
same over the perturbations of the soul as over the bois- 
terous elements, and he tan diffuse a calm over the mind 
as easily as over the tempestuous ocean. The prayer of 
faith will ascend to Him : he will pluck our feet out of 
the miry clay, and set them upon a rock whose founda- 
tions are fixed, and will stand firm against the rain, the 
floods, and the wind. I think we shall do well not to 
perplex ourselves with contemplating the various evils 
of life, or the mystery of iniquity. Secret things belong 
unto God, and he only can reveal them according to his 
good pleasure. Our concern is with those that are re- 
vealed ; and we may trust that we shall be sufficiently 
enlightened to pursue the right way. Submission to the 
Divine will in all things is our duty, and will prove the 
source of our greatest happiness ; for when our will re- 
volts against the Divine will, nothing but misery can 
ensue. — Margaret Woods, 1819, aged 70. 



102 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fourth Month 12. 



11 There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them 
understanding."— Job xxxii. 8. 

"IV TOW I say, this inspiration ought to be rightly un- 
JL l derstood and believed in ; from my own experi- 
ence, I understand it to be an inbreathing of the divine 
word into our minds, giving a true understanding of di- 
vine things, that we may make choice of, and walk in the 
paths of wisdom, which is the just man's path : I say, 
the inbreathing of this word, which is truth, life, and the 
light of men ; that spirit which " searcheth all things, 
yea, the deep things of God," which by Jesus Christ is 
made manifest unto all men ; I say, this inspiration ought 
to be waited for in all our religious assemblies especially, 
and believed in, as being the inundation and spring of 
all right ministry, devotion, and worship of the true God ; 
yea, I always find this from my own experience to be 
most edifying, thus to wait for this divine inspiration ; 
and when I find my understanding, and influenced by this 
blessed gift to minister to others, I give up thereto, 
speaking to the assembly according to the present abili- 
ty I receive thereby ; and I know this to be true begin- 
ning of a right gospel ministry, which I shall speak to 
more at large in its proper place. — Samuel Bownas. 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.— James i. 17. 

Though we had all tongues, all knowledge, and even gifts of prophecy, and 
were preachers to others, aye, and had zeal enough to give our bodies to be 
burned ; yet, if we wanted charity, it would not avail us for salvation.— Wm. 



Fourth Month 13.] DAILY READINGS. 103 

14 He said unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, 
that shall ye receive." — Matt. xx. 7 

I OFTEN" look round me, and often consider if I have 
anything to do ; I am willing to spend or to be 
spent, but afraid and unwilling to engage where I am 
not employed. Those who staid latest, but could give 
as a reason, " because no one has hired us," were em- 
ployed, when the Lord of the vineyard bade them go, 
and receive their penny when the even was come. If 
in some instances I have not been altogether idle ; if at 
present I appear so to others, and do indeed stand still, I 
can truly say, I am not hired ; and I hope as truly, that 
I desire to be as ready, under the same qualifications, as 
he who said, " Here am I, send me." * * * 

I do not envy others ; I am glad of it. I heartily bid 
them Godspeed, and rejoice in the success of their labors. 
I wish to be like them, and am willing, nay, rather desir- 
ous, to be employed with them ; further I dare not go ; 
and finding myself still so poor, so barren and so deso- 
late, I ask myself is there not a cause ? My unworthiness 
presents itself; but, if I was not afraid that my heart 
retained some secret impediment, unknown to myself, I 
should adopt the language of Peter, and say ; " Lord, thou 
knowest all things : thou knowest that I love thee," and 
the consciousness that I do love him above all things, I do 
desire to do so, is my only support under that withdraw- 
ing of light and sense of Divine requirings which I so 
frequently examine. — Richard Reynolds, IV 8 8. 



104 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fourth Month 14. 



" And the multitude of them believed, were of one heart and soul. "— Acts 
iv. 32. 

BEING joined to the said people, in derision called 
Quakers, and by the grace of God resolved to 
continue and persevere in their communion, and to wait 
upon God in his light, wherewith he had enlightened my 
understanding in a good measure, I had great satisfac- 
tion therein, being sensible that our society and converse 
with one another, as we had received the love of the 
truth, was helpful and encouraging to us, and tended to 
edification and comfort. I greatly loved and delighted 
in the free conversation and fellowship of sober, faithful 
Friends. When I was a school-boy at the free school at Blen- 
coe, in Cumberland, I loved retirement with some other so- 
ber, studious scholars, though but mean and poor in the 
world, rather than the company of the loose, extrava- 
gant boys, though of the gentry, or richer sort, who were 
given to much play and gaming. In that company of 
which I was most fond, we were the most profitable one 
to another in our learning, and communicating the effects 
of our studies to each other ; and much more in a spiritu- 
al and higher sense, when w^e were in some degree come 
to know the blessed truth, in the light of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. Our Christian society, and our communications 
therein of our inward experiences, did all redound to our 
mutual help and edification in the love of the truth as it 
is in Christ. — George Whitehead, 1654. 

Only trust thyself, and another shall not betray thee.— Wm. Pbnn. 



Foubth Month 15.] 



DAILY READINGS. 105 



'•Blessed are they who suffer persecution for righteousness sake ; for theirs 
is the kingdom of heaven. 1 ' — Matt. v. 10. 

PERSECUTION may be considered in relation to 
calumny and reproach, and in imprisonments, con- 
finements, or the like, or taking away life or goods on a 
religious account, for conscientious scruples, etc. What 
sad work hath there been on this account in the world, 
not among Turks and Jews only, but among professors 
of Christianity, which is indeed a great reproach to that 
holy name. Persecution for righteousness sake is not fit 
for Turks or Jews, much less for the professors of our 
meek Lord ; his dispensation and gospel being absolutely 
the reverse of it, which is a shameful sin to all men, in 
all nations. However the persecuted have this comfort 
in the midst of all their sufferings, they are blessed of 
Christ their Lord ; who himself suffered for them, and 
they are promised by him the kingdom of heaven. By 
which doctrine it may be safely concluded, that the mem- 
bers of his true church never persecuted any, though 
they have been often persecuted ; but the eyes of many 
are now open to see the evil of it, and a spirit of mod- 
eration begins to grow and spring in divers parts of the 
earth. 

It is to be desired that the moderation of Christians 
might more and more increase, and appear to all men ; 
because God is at hand, who will justify the innocent, 
whom he knows better than any man, because he sees 
their hearts, and he will condemn none but the wicked. — 
Thomas Chalkly. 



106 DAILY READINGS. [Fourth Month 16. 

" The secret things belong unto the Lord our God ; but those things which 
are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the 
words of this law."— Deut. xxix. 29. 



IT sometimes seems marvelous, in my view, that our 
natural life is lengthened for weeks, months, and it 
may be years, after being brought as it were to the 
brink of the grave, looking for the salvation of the soul, 
through the redeeming love and power of the Saviour, 
who was crucified for sinners. No other name do we 
own, or profess to believe, can save us. This I consider 
as the unchangeable foundation of genuine Quakerism ; 
and it is to be accompanied by a consistency of conduct, 
not to be controverted, agreeably to the Scriptural doc- 
trine and precept left upon record of the High Teacher, 
and to the example and testimony of holy men of old. As 
far as my spiritual understanding has been enlightened, 
this is what I apprehend to be Truth. Secret things belong 
to the Lord. My belief is, that sufficient is revealed for our 
instruction ; and that, while persevering in faithful obedi- 
ence, we shall find that lowly, peaceful, spiritual poverty 
is a soul-satisfying reward. I believe it is safe and best in 
the present times, to leave judgment unto the righteous 
Judge, as to this or that ; and to take the impressive 
counsel, " What is that to thee ? follow thou Me !" I hope 
not to weary thee, dear friend. I think only to add, that 
Christian union, love, and fellowship, was never more pre- 
cious, nor more binding to my fellow-professors in the 
Society to which I have been conscientiously united for 
upwards of fifty years. — Mary Capper, aged 82. 



Fourth Month 17.] 



DAILY READINGS. 107 



11 Let them alone : they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead 
the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."— Matt. xv. 14. 

EXCEPTING Massachusetts and Connecticut, North 
America offered an asylum for the persecuted 
of every class, and for the people of every clime ; we can- 
not therefore wonder that its unsectarian soil became the 
resort not only of English, but Irish and Scotch, and also 
emigrants from almost every nation in Europe. 

In studying the history of the Society of Friends, the 
observant reader cannot, we think, fail to notice, that it 
was only in countries where darkness and popery 
had been much dispelled, that its spiritual and enlight- 
ened views found steady acceptance. Although our 
early Friends were engaged in Gospel labors in several 
of the Roman Catholic countries of Europe, we do 
not find that they were successful in the establish- 
ment of a single meeting. 

The Reformation, therefore, was instrumental in pre- 
paring the way for the introduction of Quakerism into 
Christendom. But enfranchised as most of the settlers 
of the western world were, from the shackles of popery, 
and to a large extent from prelacy also, and consisting as 
they did of considerable numbers of pious individuals, 
who had been driven from their respective countries for 
the cause of religion, the colonies of America presented 
a sphere peculiarly adapted for the reception of those 
high and enlightened views of Christianity which the 
Society of Friends were called to uphold and to advocate 
among their fellow-men. — James Bowden, London, 1850. 



108 DAILY READINGS. [Fouhth Month 18, 

" Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also in him ; and he shall bring it to 
pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judg- 
ment as the noonday. 11 — Psalm xxxvii. 5, 6. 

" And the Lord shall help them and deliver ; He shall deliver them from the 
wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him. 11 — Psalm xxxvii. 40. 

MOST fully do I unite with thee in the blessedness 
of obedience to the Divine will. In the 
Christian life we see there is such a variety of means for 
the attainment of the same great end, that it has always 
appeared to me, that we are not sufficient of ourselves 
to choose those means which are best for us, and that the 
more we commit our way unto the Lord, the more we 
are likely to prosper in that spiritual life which is light 
and peace ; and I think the Scriptures authorize us to 
believe that the Light or Holy Spirit which is given to 
every man to profit withal, is all-sufficient to lead us in 
the way in which we should go ; that it reproves us for 
every evil thought and word, and that it instructs us in 
our duties ; and does it not also open our minds to 
understand the important doctrines of Christianity? 
Surely obedience, which is so enforced by Friends, does not 
lessen, but increases our faith in the redeeming power of 
Christ. At those times when we the most endeavor to 
do right, have we not sufficient proofs of our great in- 
firmity, and of the corruptions of human nature, to 
teach us that of ourselves we are blind, and poor, and 
miserable, and naked, until clothed with the righteous- 
ness of Christ? — Priscilla Gurney, 1812. 



Fourth Month 19.] 



DAILY READINGS. 109 



" Not slothful in business ; fervent in spirit ; serving the Lord." —Rom. xii. 11. 

BUSINESS, in its proper sphere, is useful and benefi- 
cial, as well as absolutely necessary ; but the abuse 
of it, or an excess in it, is pernicious in many points of 
view. I cannot approve, in very many respects, of the 
intense degree of application and attention which seems 
often to be required of those that are in business. 

There is one danger to which the man of business is 
particularly exposed, and the more alarming, because it 
is concealed, — I mean the danger of gaining a worldly 
spirit, and of losing that tenderness of conscience, that 
love of religion, which is the ground of all virtuous con- 
duct. The person who is engaged in worldly affairs, 
whether the sphere of his engagement be large or small, 
should be most anxiously attentive to his eternal inter- 
ests, that they also may be kept in a flourishing, profita- 
ble condition : if this be not the case, the saying of W. 
Penn is true in regard to such a one — " He that loses by 
getting, had better lose than gain." He should also be 
very jealous of his scanty leisure, that he may not omit 
to employ some of it in his daily duties to his Maker, 
and to the constant cultivation of that holy frame of 
mind, which it is the slow though sure tendency of the 
spirit of the world silently to counteract. For, I own, I 
tremble at the very idea of any man's mainly pursuing 
his perishable interests, when perhaps in one short mo- 
ment he is gone. — John Barclay r , 1815. 



110 DAILY READINGS. [Fourth Month 20 

" There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of 
your calling."— Eph. iv. 4. 

LOOKING toward your assemblies, my feelings of in- 
terest are awakened in a lively manner, not only 
for those individuals who are peculiarly dear to myself, 
but for the church at large. It is my earnest desire that 
you may be richly favored with the overshadowings of 
him who can fill your hearts and minds with the abund- 
ant streams of his consolation ; that divine blessings, may 
indeed be showered down upon you, to your mutual com- 
fort, and " to the edifying of the body in love." My 
heart is with all that labor in the work of the Lord, and 
I salute them in the language of the apostle, " Peace be 
to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Fa- 
ther, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." It is cheering 
to see friends under different circumstances, each oc- 
cupying the gifts intrusted to them, though very va- 
rious one from the other. Whilst this is the case, wheth- 
er possessing the one, or the five talents, individuals, as 
well as the church, will prosper, and our adorable Head 
will be glorified by his own works. And I desire that 
all of us, who exhort others, may so submit to the effect- 
ual operation of the fire and the hammer, as to hold out 
the invitation, by our own example, to follow us as we fol- 
low Christ. — Jonathan Backhouse. 

Thou knowest, O Lord, before I speak, 
How poor I am, how halt, how weak, 
And what I need, and what I seek. 

— Jane Crewdson. 



Fourth Month 21.] DAILY READINGS. Ill 

" Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, 
ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven."— Matthew xviii. 3. 

THERE is a striking analogy between little children 
by nature, and those who are born from above. In 
the infant state of religion the child of God cries for 
something, it does not well know what ; it does not desire 
to know, but it wants to be fed ; its growth and its 
strength are acquired by its feeding, not by its increase 
of understanding, which yet, as it is necessary and useful, 
arrives in its season, and is added by degrees. And 
as we cannot add one cubit to our stature as natural 
men, so neither by taking much thought can we add to 
our religious growth : this is the work of God, as saitli 
the Scriptures. In this day there is so much revolting 
from the genuine spirit of Christianity, and the few that 
are sound in the faith and alive in the root are so rejoiced 
at the prospect of any of the visited youth coming forward 
in stability and service, that there is some times a danger 
lest such youth should be carried off their feet, and pulled 
forward into action beyond their proper strength, and 
the right requirings of duty. Only let us be inward 
and diligent in our spirits, keeping to our own particular 
exercise, and attending to the account current which is 
between the great Lord of the household and our own 
souls respectively, making short reckonings, and giving 
up no false rest till Infinite Mercy forgives the debt ; so 
shall we, though poor, witness content, and though not 
abounding, yet have a little sufficiency. — Richard Shack- 
leton, 1783. 



112 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fourth Month 22. 



M While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear." — 1 Peter 
iii. 2. 

THE practice and use of the plain language is conso- 
nant with the rules of grammar and the language 
of holy men of old ; the Scriptures bear testimony ; yet 
I was desirous to prove all things, to bring them to the 
standard of truth in my heart, and, if they stood the 
measure of that, to cleave to them. I began to use this 
language sometimes, and at other times not, when in my 
infancy ; my near kinsfolk, I heard, said I was beside my- 
self, therefore it was a cross to use it in their presence ; 
but denying the cross brought sorrow and weakness along 
with it, and a fear, that if I went down the steps of Ja- 
cob's ladder, I should find it more difficult to recover the 

ground I had lost, than even to ascend to another step. 
* * * 

The change in my dress was a great cross, as I was al- 
ways given to fashionable dresses, and at this time had 
sundry suits of apparel of this sort. I felt a solemn cov- 
ering to come over my spirit early, one morning, which 
drew me into deep silence and attention, when I felt it 
required of me to conform to the simple appearance of 
Christ's followers : His garment was all of a piece, so 
ought mine to be, of a piece with my speech, my life, and 
my conversation. This felt to be a severe stroke ; no 
shelter was now left me, but I must appear as a fool to 
the world ; my speech and then my garments would betray 
me, that I had been with Christ, and professed myself 
to be one of His disciples. — John Conron, Ireland, 1772. 



Fourth Month 23.] 



DAILY READINGS. 113 



" The meek will he guide in judgment : and the meek will he teach his way. 1 ' 
—Psalm xxv. 9. 

FOR several years Daniel Wheeler had an impression 
that it would be required of him to go abroad. This 
prospect frequently cost him much exercise of mind ; and 
one day, whilst pacing up and down his parlor, feeling 
unusually burdened under it, he was led earnestly to cry 
unto the Lord, desiring that he would be pleased to show 
him to what part of the world he must go. One of his 
children was in the room putting together a dissected map, 
and as his father approached him, his eye rested on 
Petersburg with such an intimation that thither his divine 
Master would send him. " That," said he, in relating the 
circumstance many years afterwards to an intimate friend, 
" I never afterwards doubted." He however kept the mat- 
ter entirely to himself, believing that when the right time 
should come, way would be made for him. Early in the 
year 1817, inquiry having been made, by order of the late 
Emperor Alexander of Russia, for a person to undertake 
the management of an agricultural establishment in his 
dominions, Daniel Wheeler believed it his duty to offer 
himself for his service. The Emperor, as the reader may 
recollect, visited this country in the year 1814, and was 
much struck with the perfection of the English system of 
farming. His attention had been drawn in several ways 
to the Society of Friends ; and a casual visit made to the 
farm of a Friend gave the Emperor a favorable impression 

of their character as agriculturists. — Memoirs of D. 

Wheeler by W. and T. Evans. 



114 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fourth Month 24. 






44 Who is blind but my servant ? or deaf as my messenger that I sent? who is 
blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord's servant ?"— Isaiah xlii. 19. 

IT is now two years since the subject of visiting Russia 
and rendering myself useful in promoting the happi- 
ness of its numerous inhabitants, was presented to the 
view of my mind, by that inward principle of light and 
grace, a manifestation of which is given to every man to 
profit withal, in which I believe ; and Petersburg was the 
place pointed out to me as the scene of my operations. It 
was, I must acknowledge, a prospect at which I was 
ready to shudder : for, although we may at times feel a 
willingness, and even profess it, to go with our Lord and 
Master into prison and unto death, yet such is the frailty 
and weakness of human nature, that when the trying 
hour cometh, like Simon Peter, we are ready to deny 
Him. But He who is touched with a feeling and compas 
sionate sense of our manifold infirmities, I trust saw 
that it was not wilful disobedience, but human weakness ; 
and He who only knoweth the thoughts and intents of 
the heart, yea, for whom " the darkness hideth not, but 
the night shineth as the day, the darkness and light 
being both alike to Him," in adorable condescension and 
mercy doth at seasons qualify his poor, dependent, humble 
followers acceptably to breathe the aspiration, "Lord, 
thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love Thee." 
He, by His wonder-working power, reduced my mind to 
a willingness to go whensoever and wheresoever He 
is pleased to lead, and to do whatsoever he is pleased to 
call for. — Daniel Wheeler ', 1817. 



Fourth Month 25.] 



DAILY READINGS. 115 



"Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this nioun 
tain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. "—John iv. 21. 

I RECEIVED a message that I was to be introduced 
to Prince Galitzin. I was conducted to the splendid 
mansion of the Prince ; we were ushered into his apart- 
ment of ample size. The Prince came forward and met 
us in a very courteous manner, and on being introduced 
he took me by the hand, and we retired to the back part 
of the room ; he asked me many questions with great affa- 
bility in Russian ; my companion interpreting betwixt us. 
Amongst others, he inquired what family I had ; which 
being answered, he wished to know whether I would bring 
them all with me, if I came to reside in Russia ; I said, 
"Yes ; I should not leave a hoof behind ; " at which he 
seized my hand and expressed his satisfaction. He then 
enquired, how I should do, as there was no place of worship 
for me, no meeting, no society ; how was that ? I told 
him the worship of Almighty God was not confined to 
either time or place, that is neither in this mountain, nor 
at Jerusalem; but in every place incense should be of- 
fered to His name, and a pure offering. After pausing a 
little, he desired the sentence might be thoroughly ex- 
plained to him. He then seemed quite to understand it, 
bowing his head in a reverent manner, and appeared to 
ponder over it. * * * 

The Prince held my hand till we got to the door, when 
I bade him farewell and departed, comparatively as light 
as a feather. — Daniel Wheeler, 1817. 



116 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fourth Month 26. 



11 Begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 
from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undented and that fadeth not 
away."— 1 Peter i. 3, 4. 

I RECEIVED a message that the Emperor* would see 
me that afternoon. The Prince received me with 
his usual openness. A messenger came and conducted me 
to the palace, and after going through a range of rooms, 
I was shown into the apartment of the Emperor, who re- 
ceived me with more parade than I expected, but I 
thought afterwards this was only on account of the page, 
for, as soon as the door shut, he took me by the hand, say- 
ing, " Sit down, Sir." I was not quite ready to sit down ; 
for the salutation arose in my heart, "of grace, mercy, and 
peace be multiplied, from God the Father, and our Lord 
Jesus Christ," upon the noble Emperor, etc. The Empe- 
ror stood quite still until I had finished ; when we both 
sat down. He had many questions to ask, expressed his 
surprise and satisfaction at the manner in which I had 
been led into Russia. He mentioned my memorial, and, 
I think touched upon every particular head distinctly, 
and said he agreed to the whole. I then gave him a pa- 
per I had in my pocket-book, which brought the peculiar 
principles of our Society into view ; this he read, and 
questioned me about all of them ; which gave me time to 
clear myself fully. * * I remember my last words 
were the expression of a desire that attended my mind, 
that when time shall rob thee of thy earthly crown, an 
inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, a crown immor- 
tal may be thy happy portion. — Daniel Wheeler, 1817. 

* Alexander, of Russia. 



Fourth Month 27.] 



DAILY READINGS. 117 



" Trust in the Lord, and do good ; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily 
thou shalt be fed."— Psalm xxxvii. 3. 

HAVING now dwelt among these dear people (the 
Russians) nearly three years, I think I can say 
with truth that my love for them has not diminished, 
but, on the contrary, greatly increased, particularly for 
those who are of least account among men. * * * I had a 
conference with the Emperor a short time since, and was 
never so much satisfied with any previous interview. * * 
A knowledge of his particular situation renders him, 
in my estimation, an object of commiseration and sym- 
pathy. Few, I am persuaded, are really aware of the 
difficulties by which he is encompassed, or of what he has 
to contend with ; and when I consider the education he 
has had and training up altogether, I am more than ever 
surprised, that he should have any relish for serious 
things. He had been absent about ten months at Con- 
gress ; on my telling him he had been a long time away 
from his large family, he said : " I have a great deal to do. 
It is a very difficult thing to act for a nation, but I hope 
I have acted under God ; and the measures I have taken 
I hope are approved by him. I am encouraged to be- 
lieve so, because not a drop of blood has been spilled." 
I told him I had often thought of him, and that a peti- 
tion had been raised in my heart on his account. " Yes," 
he said, "and I have often thought of you : there has not 
been one day but I have thought of you and of Messrs. 
Allen and Grellet, and always felt myself united to you 
three in spirit. — Daniel Wheeler, Russia, 1821. 



118 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fourth Month 28. 



" All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord ; and thy saints shall bless thee. 
They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power,"— Psalm 
cxlv. 10, 11. 

IT has often been my lot, and it seems as if the mea- 
sure was not yet filled up, to witness and to share 
many painful scenes. I sometimes think that a greater 
portion of suffering is necessary for me than for others, 
to hold in check and humble a disposition which is nat- 
urally so prone to rebel. It is, at any rate, no more than 
I deserve, after the days without number that have been 
passed in folly and forgetfulness of that gracious Being, 
who hath in unutterable condescension and mercy fol- 
lowed me from my youth up, even to the present day ; 
and who, I humbly trust, will never forsake His poor un- 
worthy creature ; but by renewed trials and baptisms, 
will keep alive the vital spark, until He is graciously 
pleased to say, " it is enough." If I know myself, I think 
I do not desire a life of ease ; but I would gladly devote 
the few remaining days which may be my portion here, 
to declaring a the mighty acts of the Lord," to my poor, 
benighted fellow-creatures, though unequal and unwor- 
thy to show forth half His praise. * * * 

The earth has been opening around us, and swallowing 
up the people to a fearful extent from cholera — old and 
young, strong and weak, rich and poor, have fallen at 
the short notice of from two to three hours. Although 
we have had to stand as with our lives in our hands, 
yet we have been favored beyond precedent. — Daniel 
Wheeler, Russia, 1831. 



Fourth Month 29 ] 



DAILY READINGS. 119 



41 1 lay down my life that I may take it again. No man taketh it from me. I 
have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."— John x. 17. 

OH ! it is an awful thing to appear before the Judge 
of the whole earth, but I do not feel afraid. I have 
a merciful Saviour ; pray for me that patience hold out to 
the end ; our blessed Saviour died the death ; mine is a 
natural death, but his was for the whole world. He gave 
up his life freely, and suffered on the cross. He gave his 
life a willing sacrifice, and we must give up our whole 
hearts ; no cross, no crown, is a sure testimony ; if we will 
not bear the cross, we cannot have the crown. 

Oh ! my dear children, may you never rest but in the 
wrestling of the soul, until he has fully redeemed you, un- 
til he has finished the work he has begun in you. Oh! from 
my dying bed, I beg of you, that it may be the ear- 
nest breathing of your souls, that you may be redeemed 
from the perishing things of time, and that your affec- 
tions may be fixed upon eternity : upon things that will 
endure for ever. What would it avail me now to have 
the world, or as much as might be equal to our most ex- 
travagant desires to possess ? * * * 

Oh ! eternity ! Oh ! the length of eternity ! Oh ! 
that it may be impressed on every heart, the length of 
eternity ! There is no end! 

" The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord ; he is 
their streno-th in the time of trouble. And the Lord 
shall help them, and deliver them : he shall deliver them 
from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in 
him." — Psalm xxxvii.— Mary Hagger, 1839. 



120 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fourth Month 



14 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saiththe 
spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow them." 
—Rev. xiv. 13. 

riHHERE is nothing comparable to the sweetness of 
_JL the truth ! all the pleasures and possessions of 
this world are but as a bubble — the blessed truth as it is in 
Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Those who live under the power and guidance of 
truth will be distinguished from others by a light about 
them, which will be even as the halo represented round 
about the head of Jesus. 

There are those in all the walks of life, who look to God 
for his help and counsel. Anything we can do is but as 
filthy rags. Bear it in mind, my friends. Nothing but the 
grace of God can cover us in such an hour as this. I 
have long sought God's counsel and help. Keep humble. 
Don't do anything to please the pride of the eye. Keep to 
duty. Don't think it will expose you : it will not. It will 
bring peace. The blessing of God rest upon you all. Give 
glory to God in the highest. Oh ! that I could proclaim to 
all the world the sweetness I feel, and the power of the 
ever-blessed truth, which is more to me now than ten 
thousand worlds. 

My case is a very doubtful one, but life is uncertain at 
all times. The great object of life is to prepare for death. 

Do not give me anything to benumb my faculties. I 
want my mind clear, I want to lift up my heart to him, 
who alone can help. — George Howland^ New Bedford, 
Mass., 1852. 



Fifth Month 1.1 DAILY READINGS. 121 

" But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness ; and all these 
things shall be added unto you."— Matt. vi. 33. 

THE fear of the Lord, which preserves from evil, 
was placed in my heart when I was but eight 
years old ; so that I was afraid to offend Him. In the 
twelfth year of my age, I was mercifully visited, and 
called out of the vanities of the world ; at which time I 
received a promise, that if I sought first the kingdom of 
God, all other necessary things should be added ; and I 
have found the promise true, for I never have wanted any 
of the good things of this life. * * * 

If all men would " seek first the kingdom of heaven, 
and the righteousness thereof," and carefully attend to 
the leadings of the Holy Spirit, with which all might be 
favored, I believe they would be blessed with a sufficient 
portion of wealth. O, that mankind were wise ! and 
would early seek that treasure which cometh from above ; 
and which neither moth nor rust can corrupt, nor 
thieves break through and steal ! And may we all be- 
ware of loving the world, and living at ease, in the en- 
joyment of its good and pleasant things ! Even those 
who have been favored with remarkable divine visita- 
tions, and have been put in possession of " the upper and 
the nether springs," have great need to be on their 
guard. When we enjoy health and plenty, and all 
things seem pleasant around us, we are prone to forget 
the Lord, and neglect those " things that belong to our 
peace."— David Ferris, aged 72, 1779. 



122 DAILY READINGS. [Fifth Month 5. 

" But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need 
uot that any man teach you ; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all 
things, and is truth, and is no lie. 1 '— 1 John i. 27. 



A 



ND thou who art willing to follow this, and to be 
guided by this, shalt need no man to teach thee, 
but it will be a teacher unto thee, teaching and directing 
thee in righteousness, purity, and holiness ; and if thou 
art diligent, keeping thy mind within, with an ear open 
to the pure voice, thou shalt find it present with thee 
wheresoever thou art, in the fields, in thy bed, in markets, 
in company, or wheresoever thou art. When thy out- 
ward priest or teacher is absent or far off, it will be present 
with thee, and will check thee and condemn thee for that 
which no outward eye can see, and will cleanse thy heart 
from lust, and deceit, and uncleanness, and will purify 
thy heart, and make it a fit temple for purity to dwell in ; 
and then thy sacrifices will be pure, which come from a 
pure heart, and the Lord will accept them. But, if thou 
wouldst attain to this, thou must be willing to deny thy 
lust, thy vanity, thy delights, and whatever has been thy 
life, for Christ has declared " whosoever will save his life, 
shall lose it ; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake, 
shall find it." So, there is no obtaining life but through 
death ; no obtaining the crown, but through the cross. — 
James Parnell. 

Great God, if round my sinking head, 

The waves of sorrow roll : 
The words which thou the Saviour said, 

Shall cheer my struggling soul. 

—Amelia Opie. 



Fifth Month 3.] DAILY READINGS. 123 

"And be not conformed to this world : but be ye transformed by the renew- 
ing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and 
perfect will of God."— Rom. xii. 2. 

AT the presant favored interval of retirement and 
leisure, I am concerned to repeat an inquiry, 
more than once instituted before this time, whether I am 
not now called on to declare and profess before men, the 
religious persuasion and principles which I most surely 
hold : and to adopt that course of daily practice in con- 
duct and conversation, of the reasonableness and light- 
ness of which I have not any doubt. It does appear to 
my view highly and imperatively necessary, that an in- 
ternal change should precede an external one. I believe 
that conversion is that of the heart ; that profession 
must follow, not go before possession ; and that an out- 
ward show and appearance of peculiar seriousness is hy- 
pocrisy and increased condemnation, if not accompanied 
by the inward work of sanctification in the soul. Never- 
theless, it is certain to my mind that one invariable evi- 
dence of true religion, having entered and taken up its 
abode in us, will always be, that we shall no longer con- 
form ourselves to this world in its vanity and folly ; and 
that, in our dress, address and general conduct in every 
particular, we shall not be governed by worldly maxims 
or opinions, but by the law written in our hearts. How 
far then is this the case with me ? How far can I assur- 
edly say, that this change of heart is my experience ? 
O ! I feel indeed that I come short of what ought to be 
my practice. — John Barclay, 1816. 



121 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 4. 



" Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, trusting in the mountain of Samaria." 
— Amos vi. 1. 



I HAD a natural warmth in my disposition, which 
I was very desirous to overcome, as it unsettled 
my mind from that state of quiet in which I found rest ; 
but all the care I used was not sufficient at times to sub- 
due it, and it was cause of great uneasiness to me when 
it did get up : yet I was enabled through Divine favor 
to keep up a fair outside appearance with men, was 
not guilty of immorality, and was reckoned sober and 
religious, and upon these grounds I held a pretty good 
opinion of my own attainment. Here I was ready to set- 
tle down, and to think I had reached the desired haven 
of rest ; but this state, I believe, is one of the subtleties of 
our grand adversary, and is a false rest, and not that 
prepared for the people of God ; out of this the enemy 
will not disturb us, he will allow us to remain there all 
our lives, as I fear too many do — resting in their own 
labors, their works will not follow them. But my merci- 
ful Redeemer, who knew the integrity of my heart, and 
saw that bread did not satisfy my hungry soul, because I 
hungered and thirsted after righteousness, which these 
things did not produce.* * * * My mind being so 
limited by the prejudices of education in favor of that 
profession of religion I was taught to believe in, I did 
not look for, neither did I expect to feel in myself, the 
second appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ without sin 
unto salvation.— John Conron, Dublin, Ireland, 1759. 



Fifth Month 5.] 



DAILY READINGS. 125 



"His righteousness unto children's children, to such a6 keep his covenants 
and remember his commandments to do them. ,, — Psalm ciii. 17. 

MAY we of the retiring generation be happily con- 
tinued objects of Divine regard and compassion, 
and be endued from season to season with fresh supplies 
of heavenly wisdom, that so we may walk in and before 
our families with propriety, and leave such vestiges in all 
parts of our conduct, as our successors may safely follow ; 
and may our beloved offspring and their connections, 
having been favored to see a glimpse of the beauty which 
is in the truth, dwell low in humble, watchful fear, that 
this eye may ever be kept open in them, that the vision 
may be more and more cleared and extended, and the 
God of this world never be permitted to close or obscure 
with the dust of the earth, or dazzle and dim with worldly 
splendor ! I am anxious for the coming forward of the 
youth of our day ; something or other retards their growth ; 
with many it is not any evil disposition, any criminal 
pursuit, but I fear there is a want of a steady, solid, dili- 
gent waiting for the renewal of those baptisms which 
purge the soul and prepare it for further illuminations and 
discoveries of duty. There is a seeking and desiring 
after good, and a looking towards the servants and messen- 
gers, and expecting them ; but if, under a sense of our 
wants and weakness, our attention was more immediately 
turned to the Master himself, and our dependence more 
abstractedly fixed on Him, I believe there would be 
more of a growing in the root. — Richard Shackleton, 
1781. 



120 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 6. 



" I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded he is able to keep that 
which I have committed unto him against that day." — 2 Tim. i. 12. 



AND all you whose hearts are tender to the Lord, 
whos<j trials and exercises are not a few, be not 
daunted nor discouraged, although the enemy may seek 
to frighten you with many temptations, and would 
seek to lead you out of the fellowship with or sweet re- 
membrance of your dying day, which exercise my soul has 
sometimes passed under. But blessed be the Lord for 
ever, the enemy is found a liar ; for the Lord has been 
pleased to make this sick-bed to me better than a King's 
palace ; and I have great fellowship with my Last day / 
and do rejoice in the Lord, who doth so sweetly visit me 
with the glorious light of his countenance. It is with 
me, as it is with one who has traveled many weary jour- 
neys, and at last has come to the sight of his desired 
end; which when he sees, greatly rejoices, in the sense 
of a further satisfaction which he shall after enjoy ; even so 
it is with me, who have passed no opportunity, where I 
saw the way of life clear and open before me, but have been 
ready night and day to do the will and answer the requir- 
ings of the Lord ; and so running as in a race, knowing 
my time, that is but short. And blessed be the Lord, I 
have great peace and salvation in this my weak and low 
condition. And so, my dear and well-beloved Friends, 
dwell in love one with another, walking in the unspotted 
life; so shall you grow up as pleasant plants in the 
garden of the Lord. — Richard Samble, died 1680, aged 
35 years. 



Fifth Month 7.] 



DAILY READINGS. 127 



" He that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind arid tossed." 
— James ii. 6. 

I AM at present like a ship put to sea without a pilot. I 
feel my heart and mind so overburdened. I want 
some one to lean upon. My mind is in so dark a state 
that I see everything through a black medium. I can 
comprehend nothing. I doubt upon everything. Without 
passions of any kind, how different I should be ! I would 
not give them up, but I should like to have them under 
subjection ; but it appears to me (as I feel) impossible to 
govern them; my mind is not strong enough; as I at 
times think they do no hurt to others. But am I sure 
they will hurt no one ? I believe, by not governing myself 
in little things, I may by degrees become a despicable 
character, and a curse to society; therefore, my doing 
wrong is of consequence to others, as well as to myself. 
I feel by experience, much entering into the world hurts 
me ; worldly company, I think, materially injures ; it 
excites a false stimulus, such as a love of pomp, pride, 
vanity, jealousy, and ambition ; it leads to think about 
dress, and such trifles, and when out of it, we fly to novels 
and scandal, or something of that kind, for entertainment. 
I have of late been given up a good deal to worldly 
passions ; by what I have felt I can easily imagine how 
soon I should be quite led away. — Elisabeth Gumey, 
aged 16 years. 

Words are for others, not for ourselves, nor for God, who hears not as bodies 
do, bat as spirits should.— Wm. Penn. 



128 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 8. 



"Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright ; but they have 
sought out many inventions. 11 — Ecclesiastes vii. 29. 

A LIFE of indulgence is not the way to arrive at 
Christian perfection. There are many things that 
appear trifles, which greatly tend to enervate the soul, 
and hinder its progress in the path to virtue and glory. 
The habit of indulging in things which our judgments 
cannot thoroughly approve, grows stronger and stronger 
by every act of self-gratification, and we are led on by 
degrees to an excess of luxury which must greatly weaken 
our hands in the spiritual warfare. 

I was led to these reflections by the consideration how 
lying late in bed of a morning creeps on by degrees. It 
appears a very trifling thing, and we can hardly believe 
that half an hour's indulgence that way amounts to a 
crime ; in itself it may not, and a general rule it would 
be impossible to fix ; but I believe each individual is apt 
to determine one in his own mind, and the crime lies in 
extending our indulgence beyond that standard which 
our judgments have fixed. In every other action of life, 
the same reasoning takes place. If we do not endeavor 
to do that which is right in every particular circumstance, 
though trifling, we shall be in great danger of letting 
the same negligence take place, in matters more essential. 

In the hour of cool meditation, how frequently do we 
hear the soft whisper of conscience not only condemning 
the evil, and leading us to repentance, but pointing out 
to us the way by which we may arrive at happiness and 
glory. — Margaret Woods, 1771. 



Fifth Month 9.] 



DAILY READINGS. 129 



" O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful 
works to the children of men." — Psalm cvii. 8. 

HAS He not dealt exceeding bountifully to some 
of you of the things of this life? For what 
cause think you has he entrusted you with such abun- 
dance ? Is it to gratify the lust of the eye, and the 
pride of life ? Is it to make you haughty, and assume a 
superiority over such as, in this respect, may be below 
ourselves, but who perhaps may some of them be higher 
in the Divine favor. 

Nay, surely : but in order that you may improve this 
gift to his honor, the good of others, and your eternal 
advantage ; and may be humbled in a sense of the dis- 
proportion of your deserts to his mercy. 

Has he not favored some of you with superior natural 
abilities? And for what end, but that you might be 
in a superior degree serviceable in his hand ? Has he not 
afforded to all a day of merciful visitation, wherein he 
has by various means endeavored to bring you into that 
fold of immortal rest, wherein he causes his " Flocks to 
lie down beside the clear streams of salvation ? " 

O, saith my soul ! that you may consider his mercies, 
and make a suitable return for them ; that the Most High 
may delight in the present generation. O ! you of the 
rising generation, open the door of your hearts to that 
Divine visitant, who has long stood thereat, and knocked 
for entrance. Let him prepare you, and he will assur- 
edly spread his table, and admit you to be the happy 
communicants thereat. — Catherine Phillips, 1778. 



130 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 10. 



M The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth 
away, the haughty people of the earth do languish." — Isaiah xxiv. 4. 

I FELT in the spring of pure love, that I might remain 
some time longer in the body, to fill up according to 
my measure, that which remains of the afflictions of Christ, 
and to labor for the good of the church ; after which I re- 
quested my nurse to apply warmth to my feet, and I re- 
vived. The next night, feeling a weighty exercise of 
spirit, and having a solid friend sitting up with me, I re- 
quested him to write what I said, which he did as follows : 

" Fourth day of the first month, 1770, about five in the 
morning. — I have seen in the light of the Lord, that the 
day is approaching, when the man that is most wise in hu- 
man policy shall be the greatest fool ; and the arm that is 
mighty to support injustice shall be broken to pieces ; the 
enemies of righteousness shall make a terrible rattle, and 
shall mightily torment one another ; for he that is omnip- 
otent is rising up to judgment, and will plead the cause 
of the oppressed : and He commanded me to open the 
vision." 

Near a week after this, feeling my mind livingly opened, 
I sent for a neighbor, who, at my request, wrote as follows : 

" The place of prayer is a precious habitation ; for I 
now saw that the prayers of the saints were precious in- 
cense : and a trumpet was given me, that I might sound 
forth this language ; that the children might hear it, and 
be invited together to this precious habitation, where 
the prayers of the saints, as precious incense, arise before 
the throne of God and the Lamb." — John Woolman. 



Fifth Month 11.] DAILY READINGS. 131 

14 But as it is written. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered 
into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love 
him. But God hath revealed them unto us oy his Spirit : for the Spirit searcheth 
all things, yea, the deep things of God." — 1 Corinthians ii. 9, 10. 

DURING the whole of that sickness I continued en- 
tirely sensible, and whilst death seemed to be ap- 
proaching, and I had turned myself on one side, the more 
easily, as I thought, to breathe my last, my spirit feeling al- 
ready as encircled by the angelic host in the Heavenly 
Presence, a secret but powerful language was proclaimed 
on this wise : " TJiou shalt not die, but live — thy work is 
not yet done." Then the corners of the earth, over seas 
and lands, were opened to me, where I should have to 
labor in the service of the Gospel of Christ. O what 
amazement I was filled with ! What a solemn and awful 
prospect was set before me ! Sorrow took hold of me at 
the words ; for it seemed as if I had had already a foot- 
hold in the Heavenly places. I wept sore ; but, as it was 
the Divine will, I bowed in reverence before Him, inter- 
ceding that, after I had, by His assistance, been enabled 
to do the work He had for me to do, and the end of my 
days in this probationary state had fully come, I might 
be permitted to be placed in the same state in which I 
then was, pass through the valley and shadow of death 
strengthened by His Divine presence, and enter finally 
into those glorious mansions, at the threshold of which 
my spirit had then come. I saw and felt that which 
cannot be written. Suffice it to say, that from that very 
time the disorder subsided. — Stephen Grettet, aged 24. 



132 DAILY READINGS. rFirra MoNTH 12 . 

" All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto such as keep his cove- 
nant and his testimonies. The troubles of my heart are enlarged : O bring 
thou me out of my distresses." — Psalm xxv. 10, 17. 

FROM the time that I went to live with my brother 
William in London, I regularly attended Friends 1 
Meetings; not that I was acquainted with their peculiar 
religious views ; indeed, there seemed to be & prohibition 
of aught but simple evidence and obedience. The experi- 
ence of others did not seem to reach my case ; all was to 
be given up, that all things might be new ; and such were 
the sacrifices required, from time to time, as none can 
know or understand, save those who have been led in a 
similar way. 

About this time, in consequence of my decided resolu- 
tion to attend the meetings of Friends, my dear father, (no 
doubt in faithfulness to his own religious views, and from 
the desire to rescue a poor child from apprehended error) 
requested me not to return to the paternal roof, unless I 
could be satisfied to conform to the religious education 
which he had conscientiously given me. This, with a 
tender, heart-piercing remonstrance from my dear, dear 
mother, was far more deeply felt than I can describe ; 
and marvelous in my view, even to this day, was the 
settled, firm belief that I must follow on, to know the 
soul's salvation for myself; truly in a way that I knew 
not! — Mary Capper, aged 32. 

I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment. 



Fifth Month 13.] 



DAILY READINGS. 133 



" So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he 
cannot be my disciple. 1 '— Luke xiv. 33. 

MUST I for ever give up the dear, pleasing hope of 
being received into the house and affections of 
my once kind, indulgent parents ? Oh ! my sister, will 
you, can you despise me ? I have no firm consolation but 
in the belief that I am guided by a superior Power. I 
have exerted every faculty of my mind ; I have resolute- 
ly mortified my body, endeavoring to bring it into sub- 
jection, free from the influence of passion and deceiving 
sense; and I have a secret intimation that the kingdom 
of heaven is within us ; that in the silence of the creature, 
is the power of God made known. 

O ! my Rebecca ; if you would examine the uniform 
desire of my life, the earnestness of my supplications, 
and my present wish of being humble, pure, wholly de- 
pendent upon God my Maker, without any confidence in 
man ; if you would thus consider me, without prejudice, 
I think you would not, Qpuld not reject me ! Of my own 
willings, or self-abilities, I deserve little ; but, in my heart 
and understanding, I submit to a perfect Teacher ; and 
in his light, is my life and my hope. Think not, my Re- 
becca, that I have contracted ideas which circumscribe 
salvation to any particular sect. God forbid ! my heart 
is contrariwise enlarged in universal charity. Let each 
be satisfied in his own mind, and the censures or applau- 
ses of multitudes can only be a secondary consideration 
of no weight. — Mary Capper, aged 32. 



134 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 14. 



" O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments ! Then had thy peace been 
as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.*'' — Isa. xlviii. 18. 

OTHOU who hast in abundant mercy condescended 
to be the guide of my early age, when under the 
care of tender parents, I have abundant cause to com- 
memorate thy loving-kindness and fatherly care over me. 
If I had been faithful in all things to thy commands, 
how would my peace have flowed as a river. Although 
I have painfully to reflect on many omissions and com- 
missions, I have many times experienced that there is 
mercy with thee, that thou mayest be feared. And now 
I pray thee to be the support of my old age. Oh ! that it 
would please thee so to humble my heart that I might 
have no will of my own, but feel perfect resignation to 
thy holy will in all things. 

Thou hast promised a blessing to the poor in spirit : 
forget not one who is as a worm and no man before thee. 
Grant me patience to bear the distressing pain in my head, 
and cause it to prove as the rentier's fire and as the ful- 
ler's soap. 

Perusing the writings of our worthy predecessors often 
proves instructive. My heart was affected this day in 
reading the life of John Crook, where I found this 
striking passage, copied from the margin of an old Bible, 
printed about the year 1599: "When the mind thinks 
nothing, when the soul covets nothing, and the body 
acteth nothing that is contrary to the will of God, this is 
perfect sanctification." — Mary Hagger, England, 1827. 



Fifth Month 15.] 



DAILY READINGS. 135 



"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth out 
of them all. "— Psalm xxxiv. 19. 



EEMEMBERLNTG the Lord our gracious God, in his 
ways and merciful dealings with me from my youth ; 
how he found me among his lost and strayed sheep on 
the barren mountains of fruitless professions, and how he 
drew me to an inward experience of his power and sanc- 
tifying work in my heart, and to know his teachings and 
spiritual ministry ; thereby to enable me by degrees ex- 
perimentally to minister to others, and oblige me to live 
accordingly ; as also to suffer patiently, with resignation 
of liberty and life, for Christ's sake, when called thereunto, 
and being supported by his power, and cheerfully carried 
through many great trials and deep sufferings for his 
name's sake, and having had many eminent deliverances 
aud preservations, even from my young years ; I say, 
considering these things, I have been the more concerned 
for my friends and brethren, who for conscience sake 
deeply suffered by imprisonment and spoil of goods ; and 
in the tender bowels of Christ Jesus have truly sym- 
pathized with the faithful in their sufferings and afflictions 
and in his love been many times stirred up to plead their 
innocent cause before authority, as well as to solicit with 
great industry on their behalf; wherein the hand of the 
Lord has been often with me. — George Whitehead. 



When I come with troubled heart, 
Jesus bids me not depart 

Till he stills it. —Jane Crewdson. 



136 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 16. 



"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus 
Christ."— 1 Cor. iii. 11. 

SHALL I once more greet you with the language of 
affectionate encouragement ? Though the sun in 
the visible firmament be in eclipse, it is not lost. The 
creative Power that gave it for an external light remains 
the same ; even the universal Father of mankind, good, 
very good to all who seek aright to know and to obey 
Him, as his truly dependent children. He who set the visi- 
ble sun in the sky, has not left his rational creation, formed 
for immortality, without a witness in the heart, as the 
Scriptures amply testify. What indeed should we do, if 
left to doubtful disputation ! If the true light in the soul 
become darkness, how great is that darkness ! Watch 
and pray that the day-spring from on high may again 
arise upon us as a religious Society, somewhat scattered 
and shaken. Possessing our souls in patience, may we 
have compassion one for another ! The Foundation stand- 
eth sure, though there may be builders thereon of wood, 
hay, and stubble. 

Well, my dear friends, after this unpremeditated in- 
troduction, I recur to what first arose in my thoughts, in 
viewing you as contending again and again for the 
faith, or unchanged Truth with fidelity and unwearied 
diligence ! O ! it is a blessed thing to be docile, humble 
learners at the foot of the cross. The Spirit of Truth 
will guide into all truth. — Mary Capper \ 1836. 



Fifth Month 17.] 



DAILY READINGS. 137 



"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities : for we know not what we 
should pray for as we ought : but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us 
with groanings which cannot be uttered.'"— Rom. viii. 26. 

WHEX I was about eleven years of age, a maid 
servant who tended on me and the rest of the 
children, would read Smith's and Preston's sermons First- 
day, between the sermons. I heard her diligently read, and 
liking not to use the Lord's Prayer only, I got a prayer- 
book and read prayers, morning and night, according to 
the days and occasions. 

About this time my mind was serious about religion, and 
one day after we came from public worship, this fore- 
mentioned maid servant read one of Preston's sermons 
on the text, " Prav continuallv." Much was said of the ex- 
cellency of prayer — that it distinguished a saint from the 
world ; for that in many things the world and hypocrites 
*ould imitate a saint, but in prayer they could not. 
This wrought much in my mind, and it seemed plain to 
me that I knew not right jwciyer ; for what I used as a 
prayer, an ungodly man might do by reading it out of a 
book, and that could not be the prayer which distin- 
guished a saint from a wicked one. 

As. soon as she had done reading and all gone out of 
the chamber, I shut the door, and in great distress flung 
myself on the bed and oppressedly cried out aloud, " Lord, 
what is prayer ? " At this time I had never heard any, 
nor of any that prayed otherwise than by reading or 
by composing and writing a prayer, w^hich they called 
a form of prayer. — Mary Proude, England, 1635. 



138 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 18 



k ' As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow 
thereby. If so be, ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.'"— 1 Peter ii. 2, 3. 

IT came into my mind to write a prayer of my own 
composing, to use in the mornings. So I wrote a 
prayer, though I then could scarcely join my letters, I had 
so little a time learned to write. It was something of 
this nature : that as the Lord commanded the Israelites 
to offer up a morning sacrifice, so I offered up the sacri- 
fice of prayer, and desired to be preserved during that 
day. The use of this for a time gave me some ease, and 
I soon left off using my books, and as the feelings arose 
in me, I wrote prayers according to my several occasions. 

The time when this circumstance took place, was when 
the spirit of Puritanism began to be manifested in the 
Churches. The reading of the common prayers of the 
Church of England Prayer-book, both in public and private 
worship, was one of the practices to which these Puritans 
— as they were in ridicule called — objected. 

The next prayer I wrote was for an assurance of pardon 
for my sins. I had heard one preach, how God had par- 
doned David his sins of His free grace ; and as I came from 
our place of worship, I felt how desirable a thing to be 
assured of the pardon of one's sins ; so I wrote a pretty 
large prayer concerning it. 

I felt a fear of being puffed up with praise, as several 
persons had praised me for the greatness of my memory ; 
so I wrote a prayer of thanks for the gift of memory and 
expressed my desires to use it to the Lord. — Mary 
Proude, 1635. 



Fifth Month 19.] 



DAILY READINGS. 139 



" Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. Quench not the Spirit."—! Thess. 
v. 16, IT, 19. 

THESE three prayers I used with some ease of mind 
for a time, but not long ; for I began again to 
question whether I prayed right or not. I knew not 
then that any did pray extempore, but it sprang up in 
my mind that to use words according to the sense I was 
in of my wants, was true prayer, which I attempted to 
do, but could not ; sometimes kneeling down a long time, 
but had not a word to say. 

This wrought great trouble in me, and I had none to 
reveal myself to, or advise with, but bore a great burden 
about it on my mind ; till one day as I was sitting at work 
in the parlor, a gentleman who was against the supersti- 
tions of the times came in, and looking sorrowful, said, 
" it was a sad day." This was soon after Prynne, Bost- 
wick, and Burton were sentenced to have their ears cut, 
and to be imprisoned. It sunk deep into my spirit, and 
strong cries were within me for them, and for the inno- 
cent people in the nation. It wrought so strongly in me, 
that I could not sit at my work, but left it and went into 
a private room, and shutting the door, kneeled down and 
poured out my soul to the Lord in a very vehement man 
ner, and was wonderfully melted and eased. I then felt 
peace and acceptance with the Lord, and was sure that 
this was prayer in spirit and in truth, which I never was 
acquainted with before, either in myself or any one else. 
— Mary Proude, 1637. 



140 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 20. 



"Saying, surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply 
thee. ,, — Heb. vi. 14. 

I MINDED not those marriages that were propounded 
to me by vain persons, but having desired of the 
Lord that I might have one that feared Him, I had a be- 
lief, though then I knew none of my own outward rank 
that such was an one, that the Lord would provide one 
for me. 

In this belief I continued, not regarding the reproaches 
of them that said to me, No gentleman, none but mean 
persons, were of this way, and that I would marry some 
mean one or other. They were disappointed in that, for 
the Lord touched the heart of him who was afterwards 
my husband, and my heart cleaved to him for the Lord's 
sake. This was William Springett. As his uncle, Sir 
Thomas Springett, was his guardian, it is probable the 
nephew had his uncle's house as a second home, and thus 
been entirely removed from the scene of Mary's trials 
when they were most bitterly felt. It doubtless was 
through the influence of his uncle, who was a steady roy- 
alist, that William Springett was knighted by the King 
at a very early age. 

He asked Mary to give him the right to protect and 
shield her, to which she consented, for to her great joy 
she found what she scarcely ventured to hope or expect, 
that his religious feelings, notwithstanding the adverse 
society to which his London life had been exposed, cor- 
responded very nearly with her own. They were mar 
ried a few months after. — From Penns and Peningtons. 



Fifth Month. 21.] 



DAILY READINGS. 141 



" Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is 
peace."— Psalm xxxvii. 37. 

OH ! that all would abide under the power of the 
cross. — I have had a very sweet view of the com- 
ing of Christ in the heart, as it were the appearance of 
a new-born babe, tender, delicate. We must keep Christ 
in view constantly. Watch carefully not to wound or 
grieve Him. Nothing we can do for ourselves will avail 
anything, all must be through Him alone. Be wise, be 
wise, seek the truth, it will adorn you with that which 
no man can give ; oh, it is glorious ! 

I would not change my situation (now on my death- 
bed) for a thousand worlds, no, not to be King or Em- 
peror ; the glitter and pomp of this world, oh ! it is less 
than nothing. If I die now, I die in peace with all men, 
even mine enemies (if I have any). Oh my soul, bless the 
Lord, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. 
My children, I desire you may be often at the feet of 
Jesus, that you may be an example to your children, 
having them go to meetings, and going with them. 
Keep up your week-day meetings : leave your business 
to attend them. I have never missed a meeting when I 
was in health, for fifty years ; only two week-day meet- 
ings I remember missing in my life, on account of busi- 
ness. When you go to meeting, have your mind staid 
on God, and if you thus wait on Him, you will find a 
sweetness in it, that nothing else can give. — George 
Howland, aged 70, 1852. 



142 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 22, 



"Hove them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."— 
Prov. viii. 17. 

MY heart from childhood was pointed towards the 
Lord, whom I feared and longed after from my 
tender years. I felt I could not be satisfied with, nor 
indeed seek after the things of this perishing world, but 
I desired a true sense of, and unity with, that which 
abideth for ever. There was something still within me 
which leavened and balanced my spirit continually, but I 
knew it not distinctly so as to turn to it, and give up to 
it entirely and understandingly. 

In this temper of mind I earnestly sought after the 
Lord, applying myself to hear sermons and to read the 
best books I could meet with, but especially the Scrip- 
tures, which were very sweet and savory to me. Yea, 
I earnestly desired and pressed after knowledge of the 
Scriptures, but was much afraid of receiving men's inter- 
pretations upon them myself; but waited much, and 
prayed much, that from the Spirit of the Lord I might 
receive the true understanding of them, and that He 
should endue me with that knowledge which I might feel 
sanctifying and saving. 

And indeed I did sensibly receive of His love, of His 
mercy, and of His grace, and at seasons when I was most 
filled with the sense of my own unworthiness, and had 
least expectation of manifestations of them. — Isaac Pen- 
ington, 1658. 

I dwell among my own people. 



Fifth Month 23.]. 



DAILY READINGS. 143 



" Come, and let as join ourselves to the Lord in the perpetual covenant thai 
shall not be forgotten." — Jer. 1. 5. 

THE unsatisfied feeling with regard to spiritual com- 
munion with God, which for so many years 
was endured both by Isaac Penington and his wife, does 
not appear to have arisen out of, or to have been accom- 
panied by, a sense of unforgiving sin. 

Circumstances indicate that in both cases the Lord 
was leaving them to pass through necessary experiences, 
until that degree of insight was acquired which prepared 
them to fill their allotted positions in the church. 

Isaac Penington became an eminent preacher of the 
Gospel among the Friends, and also an indefatigable 
writer. He was ever ready to put forth his literary 
powers and gentle persuasive influence in defense of 
that spiritual religion and gospel truth which has brought 
so much comfort to his own soul. Mary Penington 
seems to have been in an especial manner fitted to be a 
true helpmate to him ; her practical business capacity 
supplying what was less active in him. Unitedly they 
went forward with abiding trust in their Heavenly 
Father's love and care, their spiritual life being made 
strong in the Lord. To the enquiry, years after he had 
joined the Friends, if he were yet truly satisfied with the 
spiritual privileges he enjoyed, Isaac Penington replied, 
" Yes indeed ; " I am satisfied at the very heart. Truly 
my heart is now united to Him whom I longed after, in 
an everlasting covenant of pure life and peace. — Penns 
and Peningtons, 1658. 



144 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 24. 



" That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and pa 
tience inherit the promises. ,, — Hebrews vi. 12. 

I HAVE been reading and have just finished the 
journal of the life and religious labors of Mary 
Alexander. I have not read very many of the journals 
of deceased friends, but from those which I have read, 
there has been impressed upon me many an instructive 
lesson. It is in such accounts that we gain that treasure 
of experience, which, without books or writings, would 
be only attainable by the aged. We see from these narra- 
tives, at one comprehensive view, the importance, the 
value, the object, and the end of human life. The trav- 
elers whose pilgrimages are described, seem to traverse 
their course again under our inspection : we follow them 
through their turnings and windings — through their 
difficulties, discouragements, and dangers — through the 
heights of rejoicing, and depths of desolation, to which 
in youth, in age, in poverty, in riches, under all conditions 
and circumstances, they have been subject. From these 
accounts, we learn the many liabilities which surround 
us, and we may (unless through wilful blindness,) une- 
quivocally discover where the true rest and peace is to be 
found, and in what consists the only security, strength, 
and sure standing. O ! how loudly do the lives and 
deaths of these worthies preach to us ; they being dead 
do indeed yet speak, exhorting and entreating that we 
who still survive may lay hold and keep hold of those 
things in which alone they could derive any comfort in 
the end. — John Barclay ', 1817. 



Fifth Month 25.] 



DAILY READINGS. 145 



" Search me, O God, and know my heart : try me, and know my thoughts, and 
see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." 
—Psalm cxxxix. 23, 24. 

YARIOUS states, we must expect to experience, and 
not a few of suffering, I believe, if ever we come 
to know a steady progression in the right way. There 
is so much to be reduced in us, before we can advance 
happily in the " path which no fowl knoweth," and so 
much to oppose our entrance into it, both from our own 
wayward nature, and the aspect of things without, that 
we are at times ready to fear the anchor will not be kept ; 
but this will not do, we must endeavor to lay fast hold 
of the hope that is set before us, and commit ourselves 
to the care of the good shepherd. Oh ! can anything be 
lost that is in his keeping ? but the great thing is, to be 
willing that he should keep us, — that he should lead us 
wherever and into whatsoever he pleases, even to the 
death of everything that self delights to feed upon. Hap- 
py are they who are subject, completely subject, to the 
forming hand ! May this be more and more our experience, 
and then in the abasement of the creature, divine grace 
will have the victory. Surely we ought to welcome every 
suffering, that may be made instrumental to be so blessed 
a result — Oh, then, may we yield ourselves, fully, passive- 
ly, unreservedly to the discipline of the divine hand; 
accounting it an unspeakable favor to be chastened by 
one who knoweth our frame, and remembereth that we 
are dust. — Maria Middleton, London, 1825. 



146 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 26. 



" God is a Spirit : and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and 
in truth. 1 ' —John iv. 24. 

THE true God is a Spirit, and is infinite, eternal, and 
everlasting, the Creator of all things, the life and 
being of all things, the power by which all things stand. 
All creatures have a being in him ; and by him and with- 
out him no creature is, or doth move upon the face of the 
earth. This is He whom we worship, and fear, and obey, 
and he brings to pass by his counsel whatsoever he will, 
and nothing can prevent the purpose of his mind, 
but his counsel stands for ever. He is the righteous 
judge of all things, and before him must all mankind 
come to judgment, and the living and the dead by him 
must be judged: he is a rewarder of every one according 
to their deeds, whether they be good or whether they 
be evil. His greatness, power, majesty and dominion 
are over all and beyond all, ruling above all in the 
power of his own will, and who may say, what doest 
thou ? His eye seeth all, and his presence filleth all, and 
no creature can be hid from his sight ; he is near at hand 
and afar off; he searchest man's heart and trieth the 
reins, and shows unto man his own thoughts ; he justifi- 
eth the righteous and condemneth the wicked. He is light 
itself, and in him is no darkness at all. This is the true 
God whom we worship. — Edward JBwrough, London, 
1657. 

Our prayers must be powerful, and our worship grateful.— Wm. Penn. 



Fifth Month 27.] 



DAILY READINGS. 147 



" But let your communication be Yea, yea, Nay, nay, for whatsoever is more 
than these cometh of evil."— Matt. v. 37. 

A1STD now, dear friends and brethren, in all your 
words, in your business and employments, have a 
care of breaking your word and promises to any people ; 
but that you may consider before-hand, whether you 
may be able to perform and fulfill both your words and 
promises, that your yea be yea, and nay, nay, in all 
things ; which Christ hath set up instead of an oath, yea, 
above an oath and swearing, in His new covenant and 
testament. 

So let none make any promise, or speak yea, yea, or 
nay, nay, rashly, which they cannot perform : for such 
kind of inconsiderate and rash speaking is not in the 
everlasting covenant of life, light, and grace ; take heed, 
lest ye be numbered among the covenant-breakers spoken 
of, Rom. i. 31, and such truce-breakers as the Apostle 
speaks of, 2 Tim. iii, " which have a form of godliness, 
but deny the power thereof, from such turn away," said 
the apostle. And therefore they that deny the power 
of godliness will not be faithful to God nor man ; and 
such cannot exercise a good conscience to God, in obedi- 
ence to Him, nor to man, to perform that which is just, 
righteous, and honest. 

And David said : " Who shall abide in thy tabernacle • 
and who shall dwell in thy holy will ? He that walketh 
uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the 
truth in his heart." — George Fox, 1682. 



148 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 28. 



"For in him we live, and move, and have our being." — Acts xvii. 28. 



AND now having your food from Christ, and God 
your Father : yea, your bread, your milk, your 
water, your wine, your honey, your fine linen, your cloth- 
ing, your breath, your life, your souls, and the image oi 
God, which He made you in, which man and woman have 
lost by transgression, but are to be renewed into again 
by Christ, your Redeemer, Sanctifier, Reconciler, and 
Mediator, who makes your peace between you and God ; 
from whom you have your light, grace and truth, who 
gives you his Gospel, faith and spirit ; in whose name 
you have salvation, and not by any other name under the 
whole heaven ; and who is your heavenly, spiritual Rock 
and Foundation ; cannot you train up all your children in 
the fear of God, and tell them from whence you have all 
these good things, that they may come to receive of all 
these good things which you receive from the good God, 
and Christ, the treasure of wisdom and knowledge ; that 
you may say, the children of your children are the crown 
of your old men in the truth, and the glory of their 
fathers in God ; and that you may say, your wives are as 
fruitful vines by the sides of your house, and your chil- 
dren like olive plants round about your table ; thus shall 
they be blessed that fear the Lord ; that you may say, 
your sons are plants of God, growing up in their youth ; 
and that your daughters may be as corner-stones, pol- 
ished after the similitude of a palace. — George Fox y 1679. 



Fifth Month 29.] DAILY READINGS. 149 

" And he said unto them, set your heart unto all the words which I teetify 
among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do." 
—Deuteronomy xxxii. 46. 

AND Friends, some among you train up your children 
in such a rude, heady way, that when they grow 
up, they do not matter you, nor care for you ; so they are 
not a blessing and a comfort to you ; but in many things 
they are worse than many of the world's more loose, 
stubborn, and disobedient : so that when they come to be 
set apprentices, many times they run quite out into the 
world. Truth brings more into humility and meekness, 
and gentleness and tenderness. 

And therefore, by the power, and life, and wisdom of 
God, these things you must take notice of that all such 
may be brought into, and kept in, subjection by the power 
of God, that God may be honored and glorified, through 
breaking of the stubborn will in them, and subjecting 
them to Truth ; and let them all know their places, and 
not to give way to that which may get over you ; so that 
you will not know how to rule them at last, and they 
will bring a grief, and sorrow, and trouble upon you, as 
too many examples may be seen. * * * 

And in the power and life and wisdom of God you 
will bring up and govern your sons and daughters and 
servants, and cause them to keep in their places ; for an 
outward father and mother, over their families, are to 
keep all things that are outward, civil and subject in their 
places with reason and true wisdom. — George Fox, 1670. 



150 DAILY READINGS. 



[Fifth Month 30 



" In him was life ; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth 
in darkness ; and the darkness comprehended it not." — John i. 4, 5. 

DEAR Friends, mind the Light of God in your con 
sciences, which will show you all deceit. God 
is not the author of confusion, but of peace. All jar- 
rings, all schism, all rents, are out of the Spirit, for God 
hath tempered the body together, that there should be 
no schism in the body, but all worship Him with one 
consent. * * * 

And beware of discouraging any in the work of God. 
The laborers are few that are faithful for God. Take heed 
of hurting the gift which God hath given to profit withal, 
whereby ye have received life through death, and a 
measure of peace by destruction of evil. Pray that peace 
may be multiplied, and the ministration of life, to the 
raising of the dead, that the seed of the woman may 
bruise the serpent's head, discover all deceit, and rend all 
veils and coverings, that the pure may come to life, which 
deceit hath trampled upon. And all take heed to your 
spirits ; that which is hasty, discerns not the good Seed. 
Take heed of being corrupted by flatteries ; they that 
know their God, shall be strong. And therefore all mind 
your gift, mind your measure; mind your calling and 
your work. Some speak to the conscience ; some plough 
and break the clods ; some weed out, and some sow ; 
some wait, that fowls devour not the seed. But wait all 
for the gathering of the simple hearted ones ; for they 
that turn many to righteousness, shall shine for ever, — 
George Fox, 1651. 



Fifth Month 31.] 



DAILY READINGS. 151 



"And be not conformed to this world, bnt be ye transformed by the renewing 
of your mind."- Horn. xii. 2. 

KEEP out of the vain fashions of the world ; let 
not your eyes, and minds, and spirit run after 
every fashion in apparel ; for that will lead you from the 
solid life unto unity with that spirit that leads to follow 
the fashions of the nations. But mind that which is 
sober and modest, and keep your plain fashions, that 
therein you may judge the world, whose minds and eyes 
are in what they shall put on, and what they shall eat. 

But keep all in modesty, and plainness, and fervency, 
and sincerity, and be circumspect ; for they that follow 
those things that the world's spirit invents daily, cannot 
be solid. Therefore all keep down that spirit of the 
world that runs into so many fashions, to please the lust of 
the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. 

And let your minds be above the costly and vain fash- 
ions of attire, but mind the hidden man o 1 ' the heart, 
which is a meek and a quiet spirit, which is of great price 
with the Lord. And keep to justice and truth in all 
dealings and tradings, at a word, and to the form 
of sound words, in the power of the Lord and in 
equity, in yea and nay in all your dealings, that your 
lives and conversations may be in heaven, and above the 
earth; that they may preach to all that you have to 
deal with ; so you may be as a city set on a hill, that 
cannot be hid, and as lights of the world, answering the 
equal principle in all ; that God in all may be glorified. 
— George Fox, 1667. 



152 DAILY READINGS. [Sixth Month 1. 

11 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and 
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. "— 1 Cor. i. 30. 

WHEREFORE, O Christendom ! believe, receive, 
and apply Him rightly ; this is of absolute ne- 
cessity, that thy soul may live for ever with Him. He 
told the Jews, " If you believe not that I am he, ye shall 
die in your sins ; and whither I go ye cannot come." 
And because they believed him not, they did not re- 
ceive him nor any benefit by Him : but they that believ- 
ed him, received Him : " and as many as received Him," 
his own beloved disciple tells us, " to them gave he pow- 
er to become the sons of God, which are born not of 
blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, 
but of God." That is, who are not children of God after 
the fashions, prescriptions, and traditions of men, that 
call themselves his church and people, (which is not af- 
ter the will of flesh and blood, and the invention of car- 
nal man, unacquainted with the regeneration and power 
of the Holy Ghost,) but of God ; that is according to his 
will, and the working and sanctification of his spirit, and 
word of life in them. And such were ever well versed 
in the right application of Christ, for he was made to 
them indeed propitiation, reconciliation, salvation, right- 
eousness, redemption, and justification. — William Penn. 

Oh ! let thy grace new strength supply, 
Oh ! breathe the thought that comfort gives, 

And point to faith's uplifted eye, 
The Lamb that died, the God who lives. 

—Amelia Opib. 



Sixth Month 2.] 



DAILY READINGS. 153 



"The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was 
written was upright, even words of truth."— Eccl. xii. 10. 

QUR perceptions of truth are clear, in proportion to 
our freedom from the basis of error and pre- 
JTidice. 

To pursue fashion in its endless changes, may be com- 
pared to chasing a bird on the wing. 

It was odd enough of the thieves who robbed the 
traveler, to tax him with dishonesty for concealing a 
part of his money. 

Prejudice is like a flaw in a mirror: it occasions ob- 
jects to be presented to the mind in distorted forms. 

There is hardly any person so bad, as not to do homage 
to virtue by imitating it in some way or other. 

As affluence creates independence, it naturally inclines 
its possessor to imperiousness, and impatience of contra- 
diction. 

» 

Violent blowing at a small fire, is as likely to extin- 
guish as to increase it. 

The course of rashness is either circuitously or di- 
rectly towards ruin. 

In traveling, we often meet with rivulets, brooks, or 
rivers, but not so often with springs of pure water. 

The judgment clarified by charity, may be compared 
to the bee, which finds honey where wasps and hornets 
gather little but poison. — George Dillwyn. 



154: DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 3. 



" Mine heritage is with me as a speckled bird ; the birds around about are 
against her. 1 ' — Jer. xii. 9. 

SOME unbelieving person may query, how did I know 
that the subtle adversary had put on the appear- 
ance of an angel of light, and had deceived me ? I answer 
such in the words of our blessed Lord. He says : " My 
sheep know my voice, and follow me, and the voice of 
a stranger they will not follow ! " moreover we are 
desired to follow after the things which make for peace, 
and things whereby we may edify one another. Now I 
never found anything but peace as the consequence of un- 
swerving obedience in these particulars. 

I united in religious fellowship with those with whom 
I have since continued to walk, subject to many scoffings 
and mockings from some of my kindred, as well as many 
others, and was mercifully enabled to not turn my cheek 
from the smiter, and to bear them for his sake, who suf- 
fered more and worse from sinful and perverse men. I 
rejoice and give thanks to my merciful Redeemer, that 
He has in mercy called me from the receipt of custom, 
and has given me a portion in His service, and fellow- 
ship with his people ; and I write these things, hoping 
they may be blessed to some wayfaring traveler, in the 
same road, that they may become as way-marks to them, 
and show thereby that it is not an unbeaten path, but 
others have traveled it before them, and found safety. — 
John Conron, Dublin, Ireland, 17 73. 

It is no sin to be tempted, but to be overcome. 



Sixth Month 4.] DAILY READINGS. 155 

11 For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two- 
edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit."— Heb, 
iv. 12. 

I TRUST thy head is lifted up above the waters of 
distress and despondency, which sometimes over- 
whelms like a flood. Why it hath pleased all-wise 
Providence that thy outward and inward frame should 
be of such delicate texture, and that thou should so 
often be afflicted and pained beyond many others, is 
among the secret things which it belongs not to us 
to investigate; but, no doubt, He whose thou art by 
creation and adoption knows that such a conduct towards 
thee is necessary for thee altogether, for thy preserva- 
ion, establishment, purification, refinement, humiliation, 
and preparation for an increase and further fruitfulness 
of spirit. As was said to the mother of our Lord, the 
begotten of the Father, yea, a sword shall pierce through 
thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts 
may be revealed. So it is requisite for those, whose souls 
are impregnated and made prolific by the Divine Spirit, 
repeatedly to witness that Sword, that Word, that fiery 
law to do its office, that so the vessel may be made 
clean, and kept clean, fit to contain and to transmit in un- 
adulterated purity the precious odors and sweet incense 
which it may be honored to convey ; and the more simple, 
and single, and weak, and foolish, and the less of the crea- 
turely will and wisdom any have about them, the greater 
will be the excellence of his power. — Richard Shackleton, 
Ballitore, Ireland, 1789. 



156 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 5. 



" And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding 
is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of 
music shall be brought low. 11 — Eccl. xii. 5. 



MY mind is in an uncomfortable state this morning ; 
for I am astonished to find I have felt a scruple 
at music, at least I could not otherwise account for my 
feelings ; but my mind is rather uneasy after I have been 
spending time in it. These cannot be sensations of 
my own making, or a contrivance of my own forming, 
for I have such happiness when I overcome my worldly 
self; and when I give way to it, am uneasy; not but 
what I think feelings are sometimes dangerous to give way 
to ; but how odd, yet how true, that much of human reason 
must be given up. I don't know what to think of it, but 
I must act somehow, and in some way ; yet do nothing 
rashly or hastily, but try to humiliate myself to true 
religion, and endeavor to look to God, who alone can 
teach me and lead me right ; have faith, hope, and if little 
things are to follow to protect greater ones, I must, yes, 
I must do it, I feel certainly happier in being a Quaker, 
but my reason contradicts it. Now my fears are these : 
lately I have had Quakerism placed before me in a very 
interesting and delightful light ; and is it unlikely that 
inclination may put on the appearance of duty ? — Elisa- 
beth Gurney, 1800. 

For as men in battle are continually in the way of shot, so we in this world 
are ever within the reach of temptation ; and herein do we serve God, if we 
avoid what we are forbid, as well as do what he commands.— Wm. Perm. 



Sixth Month 6.] 



DAILY READINGS. 157 



" Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." — 
John vii. 24. 

IN the condition I have mentioned, of weary seeking 
and not finding, I married my dear husband Isaac 
Penington. My love was drawn to him because I found 
he saw the deceit of all mere notions about religion ; he 
lay as one that refused to be comforted until he came to 
His temple, who is truth and no lie. All things that had 
only the appearance of religion, were very manifest to him, 
so that he was sick and weary of show, and in this my 
heart united with him, and a desire was in me to be service- 
able to him. I gave up much to be a companion to him. 

I resolved never to go back into those formal things I 
had left, having found death and darkness in them ; but 
would rather be without a religion, until the Lord mani- 
festly taught me one. Many times when alone, did I rea- 
son thus : — Why should I not know the way of Divine 
life ? For if the Lord would give me all in this world, it 
would not satisfy me. Nay, I could cry out, I care not 
for a portion in this life; give it to those who care for it : 
I am miserable with it. It is acceptance with God, of 
which I once had a sense, that I desire, and that alone 
can satisfy me. 

Whilst I was in this state, I heard of a new people called 
Quakers, but I resolved not to inquire after them, noi 
their principles. I heard nothing of their ways except 
that they used thee and thou to every one ; and I saw a 
book written about plain language by George Fox. — 
Mary Penington, 1650. 



158 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 7. 



" Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me : for I am meek and lowly in heart . 
and ye shall find rest unto your souls." — Matthew xi. 29. 

DURING the mental straggles above alluded to, 
Mary Penington does not appear to have sought 
or maintained any intimate acquaintance with the Friends, 
or to have made a practice of attending their meetings ; 
but it is most probable she had been reading some of their 
writings, after she had given up all her worldly reasoning 
against the pointing of her own enlightened conscience. 

She adds, " I then received strength to attend the meet- 
ings of this despised people, which I had intended never to 
meddle with. I found they were truly of the Lord, and 
my heart owned and honored them. I then longed to be 
one of them, and minded not the cost nor pain; but 
judged it would be well worth my utmost cost and pains 
to witness in myself such a change as I saw in them — 
such power over the evil of human nature. In taking up 
the cross, I received strength against many things that I 
once thought it not possible to deny myself. But oh ! 
the joy that filled my soul at the first meeting held in our 
habitation at Chalfont. To this day I have a fresh re- 
membrance of it, and of the sense the Lord gave me of 
His presence and ability to worship Him in that spirit 
which was undoubtedly His own. 

Oh! long had I desired to worship Him in the full 
assurance of acceptation, and to lift up my hands and 
heart without doubting, which I experienced that day. 
— Mary Pmington y 1658. 



Sixth Month 8.] 



DAILY READINGS. 159 



" Blessed are the meek ; for they shall inherit the earth." — Matt. v. 5. 

AGAIN, pious souls cannot but mourn for the sins 
and abominations of the times, which are a great 
exercise to them, and affect them with sorrow and mourn- 
ing ; but they are comforted with blessed promises, which 
the Holy Ghost, at times, immediately applies to their 
souls, as recorded in the holy Scripture ; and let it be re- 
membered, that all our good times are in the hands of the 
Lord. It is recorded in the holy Scripture, that God 
would have his people comfortably spoken to ; and that 
he would " give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for 
mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of 
heaviness ; " that they might be called trees of right- 
eousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be 
glorified. 

Be not high-minded, saith one of his servants ; and 
another saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace 
to the humble. Again, " The meek will he teach his 
way, and the meek will he guide in judgment ; " as the 
holy Scripture witnesseth. Well said our holy Saviour, 
that the meek should be blessed ; grace is given to them, 
and God is their teacher and their guide in judgment ; 
a most blessed gift, teacher, and guide. It is a great 
blessing indeed, to receive grace from Almighty God, to 
be taught his ways, and to have the holy One to be our 
guide in judgment. He who has all power in heaven 
and in earth committed says that the meek " shall in- 
herit the earth." — Thomas Chalkly. 



160 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 9. 



"Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts 
of our God."— Psalm xcii. 13. 

ON reading over my old journals, it has led me to 
admire how some of my early prayers and de- 
sires have been answered ; how gradual has been the 
arising and opening of Divine Power in my heart. How 
much has occurred to strengthen my weak faith, and 
doubting, fearful heart ; how much has been done for me, 
and how little have I done for myself ; and how much 
have I rebelled, except in the day of power ; how often 
un watchful ; yet in mercy, how has help been adminis- 
tered, even a willing heart, which I consider an unspeak- 
able gift; but I think I should have flourished better, 
and grown stronger by this time, had I more fully and 
more faithfully followed the Lamb whithersoever He 
goeth. My heart's desire and prayer for myself, above 
everything else, is, that this may be more entirely done 
by me. Oh Lord ! be pleased still to carry on Thy own 
work in me, until Thou hast made me what Thou would 
est have me to be ; even entirely Thy servant, in thought, 
word, and deed ! Thou only knowest my weakness and 
fear of suffering ; when in Thine infinite wisdom Thou 
mayst see meet to afflict, be pleased to mix mercy with 
judgment, and uphold me by Thine own power ; I thank 
thee for all Thy benefits towards me ; I desire to prove 
my gratitude by my love and good works. O Lord! 
enable me so to do ! — Elisabeth Gurney Fry, aged 33. 



Sixth Month 10.] 



DAILY READINGS. 161 



" Therefore let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober." — 1 
Thess. v. C. 

OH, in love watch over one another for good, and for 
the better, and not for the worse ! And dwell in 
that which is pure of God in you, lest your thoughts get 
forth; and then evil thoughts get up, and surmising 
one against another, which arise out of the veiled mind. 

But as ye dwell in that which is of God, it guides you 
up out of the elementary life, and out of the mortal into 
the immortal, where is peace and joy eternal to all that 
can witness the new birth. Babes in Christ, born again 
of the immortal Seed, in it wait ; my life is with you in 
perfect unity ; bow down to nothing but the Lord God. 
Satan would have had Christ to have bowed, but He 
would not ; the same Seed now, the same birth is born in 
you now, which is the same to-day, yesterday, and for 
ever. 

The Tempter will come to you; and if ye look forth, 
and hearken to his words, and let them in, then ye bow 
down under him, and worship him. But I say unto you 
in the presence of the Lord, mind the pure Seed of God 
in you, and the mighty power of God will cherish you up 
to the Lord God above all temptations, not to bow down 
to anything; but feeding upon the immortal food ye 
will feel yourselves supported and carried over him, by 
your Father and your God, who is over all, blessed for 
ever! They who love the Lord Jesus Christ, do not 
mind the world's judgment, nor are troubled at it. — 
George Fox, 1G50. 



162 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 11. 



" That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in 
every good work, and increase in the knowledge of God."— Col. i. 10. 

NOW, mothers of families, that have the ordering of 
children and servants, may do a good deal of good 
or harm in their families, to the making or spoiling of 
children and servants ; and many things women may 
do and speak amongst women, which are not men's busi- 
ness. So men and women become helpmeets in the image 
of God. 

And the elder women in the truth were not only called 
elders, but mothers. ISTow, a mother in the church of 
Christ, and a mother in Israel, is one that nourishes, and 
feeds, and washes, and rules, and is a teacher in the 
Church, and in the Israel of God, and an admonisher, an 
instructor, an exhorter. So the elder women and mothers 
are to be teachers of good things, and to be teachers of 
the younger, and trainers up of them in virtue, in holiness, 
in godliness and righteousness, in wisdom, and in fear 
of the Lord, in the Church of Christ. * * * Surely 
such a woman is permitted to speak, and to work the 
work of God, and to make a member in a church ; and 
then as an elder, to oversee that they walk according to 
the order of the Gospel. 

And women are to keep the comely order of the Gos- 
pel, as well as men, and to see that all have received 
Christ Jesus, do walk in Christ Jesus ; and to see that 
all that have received the Gospel, do walk in the Gospel, 
the power of God which they are heirs of. — George Fox, 
1672. 



Sixth Month 12.] 



DAILY READINGS. 163 



"Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 11 — Prov. iii. 
17. 

THE duty of many of us lies very much in scenes 
of active life, and various occupations may take 
up a considerable part of our time ; but in this hurry and 
bustle, without setting apart proper seasons of retirement, 
the mind is very apt to get bewildered, and too often 
settles in a false rest. * * * This I at times experi- 
ence to be my own case, and though I would by no 
means make the path of virtue appear dismal or gloomy, 
yet I confess I could never yet find it to be strewed with 
roses, but have been rather inclined to embrace the say- 
ing of our Saviour to his disciples : " In the world ye 
shall have tribulation, but in me peace." 

Great part of our happiness, while in this present state 
of being, arises from a well-grounded hope of a glorious 
immortality ; and though we are to receive with thank- 
fulness the various undeserved blessings that are bestowed 
upon us in terrestrial things, yet the uncertainty of their 
duration makes it improper that we should set our affec- 
tions on them ; but using the things of this world as not 
abusing them, we should endeavor to maintain an equal 
mind in prosperity or adversity, and with humble re" 
situation of heart, say, " Thy will, O God, not mine, be 
done;" trusting that all things will work together for 
our good, being anxiously solicitous about nothing, but 
that we may be established in righteousness, and gain 
admittance into that Kingdom which will never end. — 
Margaret Woods, 11 74. 



164 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 22 



" And the valley of Achor, a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people 
that have sought me."— Isa. lxv. 10. 

I THINK I have seen the danger of young men or 
women dwelling anywhere else than in the valley of 
humility. Human learning, human attainments and ex- 
cellencies — I mean all those things that are obtained by 
the memory, judgment, reasoning powers, and mental 
abilities, separate from any immediate influence and 
assistance- derived from the source of all true wisdom — 
these natural acquisitions and talents are well in their 
places, and are serviceable to us when kept in subjection 
to the pure teachings of Him "who teaches" by His 
Spirit "as never man taught." * * * * I have 
been in company with some young persons of our so- 
ciety who have been not a little injured by giving way 
to pride and foolish talkativeness in respect to many mat- 
ters in which, though they seemed well informed, yet, not 
keeping in the littleness and lowliness, they have acquit- 
ted themselves but ill, through letting in a forward prat 
ing spirit. Now, the best light in which we can view true 
talents and virtues, and in which they are set off to the 
best advantage, is the somber shade of humility. For 
the more the frame-work is colore^, or gilt, or carved, or 
ornamented, the more there is to take off the attention 
of the eye from the picture itself. So that it seems to me 
best for each of us to dwell in the littleness, in the lowli- 
ness ; always bearing in mind where we are. — John Bar- 
day, 1817. 



Sixth Month 14.] DAILY READINGS. 165 

" Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."— Rev. ii. 10. 

CHRIST'S Cross is Christ's way to Christ's Crown. 
This is the subject of the following discourse, 
first written during my confinement in the Tower of Lon- 
don, in the year 1668, now re-printed with great enlarge- 
ments of matter and testimonies, that thou, reader, may- 
est be won to Christ ; and if won already, brought near- 
er to him. * * * I have tasted of Christ's judgments, 
and of his mercies, and of the world's frowns and re- 
proaches : I rejoice in my experience, and dedicate it to 
thy service in Christ. It is a debt I have long owed, and 
has been long expected : I have now paid it, and deliv- 
ered my soul. To my country, and to the world of 
Christians I leave it : may God, if he please, make it ef- 
fectual to them all, and turn their hearts from that envy, 
hatred, and bitterness, they have one against another, 
about worldly things ; (sacrificing humanity and charity 
to ambition and covetousness, for which they fill the 
earth with trouble and oppression) that receiving the 
spirit of Christ into their hearts (the fruits of which are 
love, peace, joy, temperance; and patience, brotherly 
kindness and charity) they may in body, soul, and spirit, 
make a triple league against the world, the flesh, and the 
devil, the only common enemies of mankind ; and having 
conquered them through a life of self-denial, by the power 
of the Cross of Jesus Christ, they may at last attain to 
the eternal rest and kingdom of God. — William Penn. 



166 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 15 



' • Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands ; and reach hither thy hand, and 
thrust it into my side ; and be not faithless, but belie ving." — John xx. 27. 

SINCE I last wrote in this book, I have been more 
than usually tried with doubts and fears, and rea- 
soning on several Christian doctrines. At times, however, 
I have been favored to feel them dissipated, and to know 
a quiet, peaceful resignation, and a willingness to wait for 
the opening of the seal of him who hath the key of 
David. I have, indeed, abundant cause to be thankful 
for the many favors bestowed upon me, who am in every 
respect so unworthy. I have a belief that as I am con- 
cerned to look unto the Lord for direction and counsel, 
all these doubts and reasonings will terminate in a firmer 
establishment in the Christian belief and practice. 

In looking back over the past year, I seem as though 
I could not determine whether I had grown in grace 
or not. I hope I have not gone backward in the heaven- 
ly race ; but when I consider, that after so many years 
of religious profession, I yet feel the want of establish- 
ment in truth, a want of clearness of knowledge, and of 
freedom from doubt, combined with so short a knowledge 
of my own sinfulness, and consequent love for my blessed 
Redeemer, so little devotedness to the cause of religion, 
so much holding back and feeling of shame, in advocat- 
ing His cause, I have every reason to fear that I am yet 
a novice, and require milk to nourish, and not strong 
meat. I find, however, that I have victory over some 
temptations that used to ensnare me, and that as I seek, 
help is afforded me. — Thomas Smith, 1828. 



Sixth Month 16.] 



DAILY READINGS. 167 



u Iam crucified with Christ ; nevertheless I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth 
in me : and the life which I now live in the flesh Hive by the faith of the Son 
of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. "—Gal. ii. 20. 



4 4 f~\ H, for a closer walk with God ! " out of all selfish- 
V^ ness, in meekness and in humility, where the 
dew of heaven is felt to rest. 

The fear lest we begin and have not wherewithal to 
finish, has an influence on the mind, and if looked at too 
much, may produce death and cowardice instead of holy 
caution. The danger lies in beginning in our own 
strength ; there is none in following the leadings of the 
Lord Jesus. Faithfulness to his requirings is what I de- 
sire for us. Are we not afraid of this or that man's opin- 
ion ? and does not this bring us to feel a snare ? Oh ! let 
us place more fully our affections on things above. The 
way that leads to virtue and to glory is often bestrewed 
with thorns and with difficulties ; we must be willing to 
take up more eminently our cross, despising the shame, 
and follow on to know the Lord. The flesh sometimes 
will shrink, but let us lean upon the Captain of our sal. 
vation, looking to Him for help, and He will strengthen 
and sustain in every needful time. We cannot choose 
our own path. Israel's Shepherd leads his flock by a way 
which they often know not ; to feel that He requires, 
ought to be enough ; our duty is to give up and follow. 



By that faith I have had a glimpse of the glories of 
heaven ; it was only a glimpse, but such a one as I desire not 
to lose sight of in time or eternity. — Thomas Smith, 1851. 



168 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 17. 



44 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength 
of salvation : the fear of the Lord is his treasure."— Isaiah xxxiii. 6. 

AT the present time, when the diffusion of knowledge 
is become an object of general attention, and 
when efforts are being made on an extended scale to 
carry the blessings of education into the lowest huts of 
poverty, does it not become more peculiarly the duty 
of those who occupy a somewhat higher station in society, 
to direct their energies to the cultivation of the mind — 
to the expansion of those intellectual faculties, with which 
the great Author of our being has dignified his creature, 
man, and which were undoubtedly bestowed upon him 
for great and noble purposes, that he might employ them, 
under the regulating influence of religious principles, to 
the praise of his Creator, and to the improvement of his 
species. Some persons object, and perhaps with too much 
reason, that the acquisition of knowledge has frequently 
an injurious tendency upon the minds of young persons. 
This may sometimes be the case, though it is not unlikely 
that persons who are vain of their intellectual attainments 
would have been vain of something less honorable, had 
their understandings been suffered to remain unimproved. 
The advantages of study invigorates the tone of the mind, 
and next to the restraints of religion, furnishes the best 
preservative of virtue, by providing a sober, rational en- 
tertainment for those hours of leisure, which might other- 
wise be passed in dissipation, or lost in the inanity of idle- 
ness. — Maria Middleton, 1820. 



Sixth Month 18.] 



DAILY READINGS. 169 



" And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live 
unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 11 — 2 Cor. 
v. 15. 

I SOMETIMES resolve with myself to abandon all my 
designs, and endeavor to live to none but my Crea- 
tor ; and presently, my condition in this life appears to 
my view, and that part which regards only the present 
too often prevails, and here I waste and decline ; I see it, 
I feel it, yet I almost despair of ever being able to resolve 
an amendment. Thou knowest these bitter scenes, but 
hast courage enough to give up, and become nothing for 
his sake. I every day see the happy consequences of such 
conduct, but video meliora proboque deteriora sequar. 
Here is my condition, without disguise ; 'tis easy to say 
more, but thou knowest by this the rest ; but what can 
be said to a person who is conscious how much it would 
be his interest, his eternal interest, how much it would re- 
joice the heart of the tenderest of fathers to see a pro- 
gress made in the internal life, how much it would also 
rejoice his relations, his friends, and all the good of his 
acquaintance, yet is cowardly enough to give up to the 
tempter. I often reproach myself, I can suffer in some 
measure and at some times from others, knowing how r 
much I deserved it. I am not solicitous of hiding my 
case from those, who, knowing the weakness of human 
nature, can pity the failures of the person. — John Foth- 
ergill, London, 1728. 

He that makes this his care will find it his crown at last. 



170 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 19. 



" And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able 
to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."— 
2 Tim. iii. 15. 

IN addition to the practice of the family reading of the 
Holy Scriptures, the importance of which we deep- 
ly feel, be encouraged often to read them in private; 
cherish a humble and sincere desire to receive them in 
their genuine import ; and at the same time, dear friends, 
avoid all vain speculations upon unfulfilled prophecy. 
Forbear from presumptuously endeavoring to determine 
the mode of the future government of the world, or of 
the church of Christ. 

Seek an enlightened sense of the various delusions of 
our common enemy, to which we are all liable ; ask of 
God that your meditations upon the sacred writings may 
be made the influence of the Holy Spirit ; their effects, 
when thus read, is to promote an increase of practi- 
cal piety, and the right performance of all our civil and 
religious duties, and to discourage vain and fruitless in- 
vestigations. Remember as this precious faith is sought 
for and prevails, the evidence of the Spirit of God in our 
hearts most satisfactorily confirms our belief in the divine 
authority of these inestimable writings. — London Epis- 
tle, 1682. 

Therefore, as the Holy Scriptures are the external means of conveying and 
preserving to us an account of the things most surely to be believed concerning 
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh, and the fulfilling the prophe- 
cies relating thereto, we therefore recommend to all Friends, especially elders 
in the Church and masters of families, that they would, both by example and 
advice, impress on the minds of the younger a reverend esteem of those sacred 
writings, and advise them to a frequent reading and meditating therein.— Ex- 
tracts from London Epistle, 1709, and others. 



Sixth Month 20.] 



DAILY READINGS. 171 



"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God 
dwelleth in you ? "—1 Cor. iii. 16. 

AND, as the operation of the power of truth is 
given way into our hearts, it will work out 
everything that is of a contrary nature ; that so we may 
become fit tabernacles for him, the Holy One, to dwell in, 
which, that it may be our chiefest care to press after, is 
many times the earnest breathing of my soul, notwith- 
standing the many bufferings and hard exercises that 
fall to my lot : for the adversary, at times, strongly sug- 
gests the need I have of a more eager pursuit after the 
lawful things of this life ; but I find except the manage- 
ment of things temporal be kept in its proper place, we 
shall lose ground as to religion, and our appetite after 
Divine consolation will fail. 

Oh ! that this may never be our case, but that we may 
still breathe to the Almighty for strength to undergo 
whatever may be proved within the course of our so- 
journing here. When I have considered how some who 
have been in a great degree cleansed and enlightened, 
yet, for want of watchfulness, darkness has come over 
them again ; this at times has bowed me very low, in 
strong desires that I might always keep in a sense of my 
•\vn nothingness and insufficiency ; and as we keep here, 
i am not without hope that he who was appointed to 
open the prison doors, will in time set us at liberty to 
serve him in an acceptable manner. — John Mouth, Man- 
chester, England, 1657. 



172 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 21 



" Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."—! Cor. xvi. 
13. 

FOR want of inward watchfulness, we neglect or go 
from it, then the adversary gets grounds. We 
are led astray by this enemy of souls, and at last miss the 
crown. And therefore it was that our blessed Lord, know- 
ing the aptness of our natures to frailty, says to his own 
beloved disciples, watch and pray always, lest ye enter 
into temptation. This was our first parent Adam's case 
though created in innocency ; for want of watchfulness, 
notwithstanding the Lord had given him sufficient power 
to keep his command, yet by not obeying it he therefore 
fell ; and likeways, it was for want of due watchfulness that 
many other great and good men of his posterity did miss 
their way, and displeased the Lord, as great Moses, Aaron, 
David, Solomon, and others, and all for want of watch- 
fulness and keeping close to the Lord their guide. And 
if we descend even to our own times, how many great, 
bright, and largely-gifted men have greatly missed their 
way, and others totally fallen, and all for want of keep- 
ing close to this inward guide of the Lord's holy light 
and spirit. — Joseph Pike, Cork, 1695. 

Let us, then, not cozen ourselves with the shells and husks of things ; nor 
prefer form to power, nor shadows to substance : pictures of bread will not 
satisfy hunger, nor those of devotion please God.— Perm's Maxims. 



The glory of a servant is fidelity, which cannot be without diligence as well as 
truth.— Wm. Pbnn. 



Sixth Month 22.] 



DAILY READINGS. 173 



" I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother."— Psalm xxxv. 
14. 

HEARING of the great loss which thyself and thy 
sisters have sustained by the removal of thy much 
loved and highly valued parent,* I cannot, with satis- 
faction to myself, withhold the expression of very near 
sympathy. The intelligence affected me with poignant 
grief, and I still mourn the Church's loss; but in the 
midst of my sorrow, the language livingly revived: 
"Write, blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." * * * 
I think I was never permitted to feel nearer fellowship 
with her than at the present time. I am ready to think 
this experience is in unmerited mercy vouchsafed as one 
means of keeping me from sinking below hope amidst the 
numerous baptisms and fears which await me. * * * 

I meet with many Friends who are in degree near to 
my best life, and a precious number of standard-bearers 
are preserved, but there is a great want of depth and 
settlement amongst Friends, even amongst many whose 
exterior is remarkably plain ; at least such is my appre- 
hension. Friends are greatly increased in numbers in 
these eastern parts, many having joined by convincement, 
more than a few of whom are, I believe, simple hearted and 
well concerned. According to my small ability, I feel 
myself frequently called upon to assert the ancient and 
unchangeable doctrines of Christianity, as professed by 
our Society in common with other denominations of 
Christians. — Isaac Stephenson, 1823. 

* Mary Dudley. 



174 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 23. 



M Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation : the spirit is indeed will- 
ing, but the flesh is weak." — Matthew xxvi. 41. 

OH ! the perilous situation of those who are in con- 
spicuous stations ! How are these set as a mark 
for the archers ! Against these the enemy of souls, who 
is the betrayer and accuser of the brethren, directs his 
deadliest shafts, and seeks to effect their overthrow, 
with a cruelty like that of the great dragon mentioned 
in the Apocalypse, who with his tail drew down the stars 
of heaven. There is no safe state or situation, but that 
of being hid in the cleft of the rock, sheltered under the 
overshadowing wing of ancient and everlasting goodness. 
May it be the daily prayer of our souls, to be kept little 
and low, and so to be subjected to the discipline of the 
cross of Christ, that self, in its various shapes and subtle 
workings, may die daily ; for truly in us, that is, in our 
flesh, dwelleth no good thing. Deepen us all, O Lord ! 
cause us to grow in the root, rather than in the branches ; 
that we may increase in holy stability, and bring forth 
only such fruit as is acceptable to Thee, through the power 
of the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. " Trust in the Lord, 
and do good ; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily 
thou shalt be fed." Oh ! to be fed with that spiritual 
food, which keeps up the life of faith in the soul. " This 
is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true 
God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." — Maria 
Fox, aged 36. 



Sixth Month 24.] 



DAILY READINGS. 175 



" There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy 
dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy 
ways."— Psalm xci. 10, 11. 

TIME would fail me to tell of the everlasting mercy 
and compassion that have been extended to us- 
ward, in that love which hath compassed about as with 
a shield during our recent operations in dangerous bays 
and roadsteads, lying open within a very few points of 
the compass to the whole beat of the Pacific. 

I brought with me from London, as recommended 
by a dear friend, a patent water-proof belt or life-pre- 
server ; but I have been ashamed to make use of it on any 
occasion. How could I now begin to doubt the loving- 
kindness of Him whose goodness hath followed me all 
my life long, and dare to distrust that never failing arm 
of strength that hath been so often and eminently 
stretched forth for my preservation, by night and day, 
by sea and land, amongst strangers and foreigners, where 
no man cared for my soul, in cold and heat, in hunger 
and thirst, and weariness, amid the din of arms, the noi- 
some pestilence, and the destruction that wasteth at noon- 
day ; and how was I supported in the iron grasp of afflic- 
tion, when week after week tidings of family distresses 
assailed me, without the power to lend a hand to help ; 
the parent stock smitten and removed, and the branches 
withering. And after all this shall I now, when old and 
gray-headed, begin to doubt the heavenly source of help. 
— Daniel Wheeler, Sandwich Islands, 1836. 



176 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 25. 



" For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined iD 
our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face 
of Jesus Christ. M — 2 Cor. iv. 6. 

IN" the year 1652, about the middle of the fourth 
month, was that faithful messenger and servant of 
the most High, George Fox, came among us, who declared 
unto us the way of life and peace. Of those in that 
family who believed his report, I was one, who came 
finally to be affected with his doctrine ; though at first I 
did as much admire at his non-conformity to our fashions, 
customs, and salutations, as strangers at this day admire at 
our non-conformity to them ; yet something in me loved 
him and owned his testimony. I began to find in my- 
self the truth of what he spoke ; for his doctrine tended 
very much to bring us to the light which Christ Jesus 
had enlightened us withal. 

In due time the witness of the Lord was awakened in 
me, whereby my sins came to be set in order before me, 
and it brought judgment and condemnation upon me by 
reason of them : but I, being as the wild heifer which is 
unaccustomed to the yoke, sought to get from under it 
as I often did, until I came to know something of the 
power of God, which brought that wild nature in me 
which was unaccustomed to the yoke, into subjection. 
And so good was the Lord unto me, that I had not long 
heard the Truth, when I came to be a witness of the 
power of it in myself; whereby the strong man in me 
was made to bow and the keepers of the house to trem- 
ble. — William Caton, England, 1652. 



Sixth Month 26.] 



DAILY READINGS. 177 



41 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. and is profitable for doctrine, 
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."— 2 Tim. iii. 16. 

DEAR : Thou hast at this time, and often 
heretofore, been made near to my best feelings ; 
and to-day in meeting our situations appeared so similar, 
that I feel willing to turn thy attention to a passage of 
Scripture which very much occupied my mind therein. 

Queen Esther, when she was charge I by Mordecai to go 
unto the King to make supplication for her people, after 
endeavoring to excuse herself, added, " I have not been 
called to come unto the King these thirty days." Mor- 
decai replied, " Think not that thou shalt escape in the 
King's house, more than all the Jews ; for if thou alto- 
gether holdest thy peace, deliverance will arise from 
another quarter ; but thou shalt not go unpunished." 

When Esther had given over reasoning, she answered, 
" Go gather together all the Jews, and fast ye for me. I also 
and my maidens will fast, and so I will go in unto the 
King. If I perish, I perish." 

I am not disposed to comment upon what I have 
written, further than to say that I have desired to 
maintain a solemn fast, and patiently endure my part of 
that famine which is not of bread or of water, but of the 
word of the Lord. As this is our experience, a hope is 
raised in my heart that we shall again be admitted into 
the King's presence, and favored to touch the royal scep- 
ter. — Anna Merritt, 1805. 



178 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 27. 



" Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord : his going forth is 
prepared as the morning : and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter 
and former rain unto the earth."— Hos. vi. 3. 

MAY we boldly say, "the Lord has been our 
helper," and by Him we have been enabled to 
" run through a troop, and leap over a wall ; " and that 
through all our trials " his hand is not shortened, nor his 
ear grown heavy ; " let us still confide in Him, follow our 
great Captain, and be of good cheer, for as he was, so 
shall we be, grave in conversation, sound in judgment, 
and constant in persevering, meeting afflictions cheerfully, 
specially when they come from Him who is everywhere 
present. We may remember what our Lord signified, 
" The cup which my Father hath given me to drink, 
should I not drink it ? " And if this was a situation fit 
for a son, how much more so for the servant, and espe- 
cially for those who have been and are but unprofitable 
ones ! We are apt at times to grow impatient, and 
tired of the school of affliction, which frequently is a 
greater blessing than the increase of temporal things. 
All the righteous nation, who keep the law, enter in 
with the Bridegroom to hold the repast which tongue can- 
not set forth, being in the full fruition of never-ending 
joy, when tears will disappear ; and oh ! my dear ; though 
absent in body, I am often led to sympathize with thee, 
under thy present exercises, which doubtless are numer- 
ous and painful, and recommend thee and our tender 
children to the guidance of the good Shepherd, who will 
lead us all safely. — David Sands, 1779. 



Sixth Month 28.] 



DAILY READINGS. 179 



" What carefulness is wrought in you ; yea, what clearing of yourselves."— 
2 Cor. Yii. 11. 

THIS day thought much of the dear children ; Oh j 
that I may be strengthened to fulfill the duties re- 
quired at my hands towards them ; how unworthy am I 
of the privilege of leading them to Jesus, yet much do I 
desire not to abuse this privilege and to be kept truly 
humble. 

Again, gave way to unprofitable conversation, when I 
ought to be seeking strength to go onwards ; Oh ! w T hen 
shall I .be guarded enough in this respect. Bodily suffer- 
ings prevented my attending properly to my spiritual du- 
ties. How necessary is it in time of health and strength 
to lay up our treasure in heaven. Had some conversation 

with on serious subjects. She encouraged me, and 

entreated me not to be too much cast down. * * * 

I fear I have this evening listened too much to some 
things spoken against others ; I took no part in talking 
against them, but I feel condemned, and truly, justly so, 
for taking a part so far as to listen. 

May I be enabled in future to look more continually 
to Him ; His unbounded mercy causes me to trust that 
He will forgive my backslidings, and continue to love me 
freely. 

Oh, teach me, gracious Father, for His sake what thou 
wouldst have me to do ; and, oh, spare not thine hand, nor 
let thine eye pity, till thou hast entirely subdued my 
will, and made it thine. — Memoir of Mary Ann Gilpin, 
London, 1834. 



180 DAILY READINGS. 



[Sixth Month 29 



" What is it then ? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the under- 
standing also."—! Cor. xiv. 15. 

AT length I could neither kneel nor stand up to join 
with the priests in prayers before the sermon? 
neither did I care to hear him preach ; but my mind ran 
after the hearing of the Nonconformist. By constraint 
I went with the family in the morning, but could not be 
kept from going to hear the Puritan preacher in the 
afternoon. I went through much suffering to secure this, 
being forced to go on foot two or three miles, and none 
permitted to go with me. 

The governors of the family were much disturbed, and 
they made me the subject of their discourse in company, 
saying that I professed to pray with the spirit, but re- 
jected godly men's prayers ; that I was proud, and schis- 
matic. This was hard enough against a conscientious 
tender-spirited girl of seventeen ; but we must remem- 
ber how trying it was to her guardians to see one so 
young taking a stand against established forms, and 
against what they regarded and had adopted as the right 
and truly authorized course in family worship. 

A beautiful young heiress as she was, with the advan- 
tages of wealth and educated taste, attracted numerous 
suitors ; but from these special attentions she turned 
coldly away — her heart was too much absorbed in the 
great search after truth, and longing after spiritual com- 
munion with God. — JPenns and Peningtons, 1641. 



Sixth Month 30.1 



DAILY READINGS. 181 



" Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highininded, nor 
trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things 
to enjoy." — 1 Tim. yi. 17. 



"\TOW I feel a concern in the spring of pure love, that 
1 i all who have plenty of outward substance, may 
example others in the right use of things ; and carefully 
look in the condition of poor people, not abridging them 
of their due with regard to wages. While hired laborers 
may, by moderate industry and the Divine blessing, live 
comfortably, raise up families, and give them suitable ed- 
ucation, it appears reasonable for them to be content 
with their wages. If they who have plenty, love their 
fellow-creatures in that love which is Divine, and in all 
their proceedings have an equal regard to the good of 
mankind universally, their place in society is a place of 
care, an office requiring attention. The more we possess, 
the greater is our trust, and with an increase of trea- 
sures, an increase of care becomes necessary. 

When our will is subject to the will of God, and in re- 
lation to the things of this world, we have nothing in 
view but a comfortable living, equally with the rest of our 
fellow-creatures, then outward treasures are no farther 
desirable than as we feel a gift in our minds equal to the 
trust, and strength to act as dutiful children in His ser- 
vice, who hath formed all mankind, and has appointed a 
substance for us in this world. A desire of treasures 
from any other motive appears to be against that com- 
mand of our blessed Saviour, " Lay not up for yourselves 
treasures on earth," Matt. vi. 19. — John Wbolman, 1774. 



182 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 1. 



" He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the 
shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my 
fortress : my God ; in him will I trust."— Psalm xci. 1, 2. 



TO Alexander the First, Emperor of Russia — Per- 
mit one who has felt deeply and affectionately for 
thy present and future happiness, to recall himself to thy 
remembrance. Since the last memorable interview which 
Stephen Grellet and I had with thee at Petersburg, when 
our Heavenly Father was pleased to comfort us together 
with the sweet feeling of his divine presence and love, often, 
very often, have I been tenderly drawn to visit thee in 
spirit, and, as I was enabled, to raise a secret prayer for 
thy preservation ; but for some time past it has been im- 
pressed upon my mind, as a religious duty, to try to ob- 
tain another interview ; and this sense of duty has so in- 
creased, that I cannot feel peace in mind, without giving 
up at least to make the effort. If, however, any insur- 
mountable obstacles should occur to prevent it, I trust 
that my great Master will favor me with peace, in hav- 
ing made the attempt. 

I purpose, by divine permission, to be at Vienna about 
the 20th or 22d of the present month, called September; 
and as I shall have encountered some fatigue, hazard, 
and expense in the journey, may I beg thee to admit 
me to an interview as soon as convenient to thee after 
my arrival, of which the Duke of Wellington, the min- 
ister from our Government, will be apprized. 

In a fresh feeling of the flo wings of gospel love toward 
thee, I remain, respectfully thine — William Allen, 1822. 



Seventh Month 2.] 



DAILY READINGS. 183 



M Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him : I will 
set him on high, because he hath known my name. 1 '— Psalm xci. 14. 

TO Prince Alexander Galitzin. — For a long time 
past I have very often wished to address thee, 
and our beloved friend in the Lord, B. Papof, with a few 
lines expressive of that love and sympathy which flows 
in my heart towards you ; but whenever I think of you, 
the image or idea of one inexpressibly dear to us all im- 
presses my mind so forcibly, that I know not how to be- 
gin. Nev r er, except in the loss of those most nearly con- 
nected with me by the ties of nature, have I felt anguish 
of heart equal to that which I experienced when I first 
heard the news of the illness and death of the beloved 
Alexander ; but after a time, it seemed as if I felt sym- 
pathy with his redeemed and glorified spirit, and I could 
only contemplate him as one of the just made perfect, 
and for ever centered in his Heavenly Father's rest. 

I shall be thankful to my Divine Master as long as I 
live, that I yielded to the impression of duty, which I 
felt in my own mind, to go to Vienna and confer with the 
dear Emperor. * * * In the last interview I had with 
him, he embraced me affectionately, and, fixing his eyes 
upon me, said, with much solemnity, " when and where 
shall we meet again ? " Ah ! may we, my beloved friend, 
when our day of trial is over, through the merits of a 
crucified Redeemer, meet him again in that blessed com- 
pany, "which came out of great tribulation, and have 
washed their robes and made them white in the blood 
of the Lamb."— William Allen, 1826. 



184: DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 3. 



44 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity." 
— Eccl. i. 2. 

CAME from London last Saturday week. The first 
fortnight there, was passed with papa and mamma 
in visiting relations, and seeing sights. They then left 
me at St. Thomas's * to the wide world. I went to Car- 
shalton, then to Bury Hill. From thence I wrote to my 
father and mother, requesting their permission to go to 
public places ; to which I received a most charming re- 
fusal from my father, afterwards from mamma. Went 
to Mrs. Birmester's concert, and the Duchess of Chan- 
dos's party. This was my first taste of the gay world, 
— may I not like its savor too well for my good ! At 

Mrs. B 's we saw the great people of the city ; at the 

duchess's, those of the west end of the town. Went 
with Agatha to the Yearly Meeting ; its effect was quiet- 
ing after the bustle I had been in ; it was not nearly so 
disagreeable as I expected. The contrast was great of 
the Friends' manners with those I had been accustomed 
to at Woodford ; but it gave me the opportunity of see- 
ing different circles in the world. The purity of the 
Quaker mind was not a little striking. I heard a sermon 
which I wish I may never forget. I am now at home, 
and the intoxicating delight of first getting there I can- 
not describe. — Hannah Chapman Ourney, June 9th, 
1805, aged 18. 

* St. Thomas's Hospital, of which her uncle Abel Chapman was resident 
Treasurer. 



Seventh Month 4.] 



DAILY READINGS. 185 



11 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac 
his son ; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife ; and they went both oi 
them together."— Genesis xxii. 6. 

THE first meeting was very serious. At the end I 
knelt, supplicating in few words that the Lord's 
will, not ours, might be done. I requested that Friends 
might be stopped, and I laid before them a concern that 
had been for some time on my mind, but which had of 
late weightily impressed it ; to pay a visit, in the love of 
the gospel, to Friends in Van Diemen's Land and parts 
of Australia. I made no comment, and sat down. There 
was a profound silence for some time ; then A. E. Dale 
knelt, and, in a very striking manner, petitioned that, as 
it was with Abraham, the sacrifice might be accepted, 
and a ram provided in its stead. My sister Katharine, 
after some silence, rose and said she had been reflecting 
on Christ as the leader of his people individually, and 
as head of his Church. Had it not been for the renewal 
of her faith this day, her heart would have fainted ; but, 
while thinking of this subject, she had remembered a pas- 
sage in the life of the patriarch David ; when he told the 
prophet that it was his intention to build a house for the 
Lord his God, the prophet immediately answered, " Do 
all that is in thy heart, for the Lord thy God is with 
thee ; " but after he was gone, the king received a mes- 
sage from the Lord forbidding him to do it ; but that it 
was well that it was in his heart. — Hannah Chapman 
Backhouse, 3d month 20th, 1849; aged 62. 



186 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 5. 



" The people which sat in darkness saw great light ; and to them which sat in 
the region and shadow of death light is sprang np. 1 '— Matthew iv. 16. 

AN" Epistle to Friends. — All ye friends of the 
Light, though we, who are your ministers and 
messengers of Light, be cast into prisons, holes and dun- 
geons, and kept there by the devilish corrupted will of 
man, and it be suffered by God, the Father of Light, for 
the fulfilling of the Scriptures upon that generation, which 
was prophesied of by the ministers and messengers of 
Light in the days of old, who suffered in the same na- 
ture, by the same generation, for the same testimony ; 
and though the Lord yet suffers the same generation to 
act in their nature against us, and fill up their measure 
of wrath, it is for the manifestation of His truth and 
exaltation of His name of power. And through all this 
are we known and made manifest unto you who are in 
the Light, and the heathen come to know and confess 
that He is greater that is with us, than all they that can 
rise up against us. And in all this we do rejoice, and 
through our sufferings are crowned and get the victory 
over the world, without [as well] as within. And though 
we are kept [in prison, yet it is for] the Lord's appointed 
time ; therefore, Friends, eye the Lord in all these things, 
and look not out at man, nor at what man can do, either 
for or against us ; but eye God in all his works and in 
all his instruments, and there will be no cause for dis- 
couragement ; for discouragement and fears, doubts and 
questionings, spring from the carnal mind. — James Par- 
nell. 



Seventh Month 6.] DAILY READINGS. 187 

" But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto 
me ; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."— Matt. xix. 14. 

I LONG for dear little children to be taught to love 
and fear their Creator, to be instructed that while 
they bring propensities to evil into the world with them, 
there is in their hearts in the very same place where evil 
is, a counteracting principle which, if attended to, would 
overcome all that is wrong. I want thee, my precious 
Mary, to exercise those talents which thou possessest to 
do them good ; and if instead of giving way to a gloomy 
sorrow, and thinking that life has lost its charms, thou 
wouldst turn thv attention to those interesting little ob- 
jects, thou wouldst find comfort r even delight; thou 
wouldst be helped and instructed thyself, for 

'* Teaching we learn, and giving we receive. " 

If my health had admitted of it, I should have entered 
into the concerns of the various institutions in our society 
more fully. O, do thou do so. Make thyself fully ac- 
quainted with our religious principles, and teach them to 
the children. 

It is also good to incite children to feel for children, 
to sympathize with one another to represent the effects 
of piety and virtue upon their own minds to their little 
associates, and thus attract to good. 

O, impress on the minds of children the pleasure there 
is in rendering kindness. — Charlotte Dudley, died aged 
38, 1825. 



188 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 7. 



" Remember thou thy Creator in the days of thy youth, when the evil days 
come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in 
them."— Eccl. xii. 1. 

HOW needful it is for young men to look back upon 
their young and tender years, — how these were 
spent in vanity, and many times in much looseness ! 
How few are there that rightly consider how they are 
kept underlings in grace all their days ! and temptations 
many times, for this very cause, are let loose upon them 
— that they have not considered nor rightly been hum 
bled for the sins of their youth. How far are right 
thoughts of this matter from the consideration of many 
young fools, who excuse themselves from these things as 
being but the tricks of their youth, and thus notably 
play the fool, not considering, as the wise man says, that 
for these things God will bring them to judgment. 

I may, if I mistake not my case, speak something 
from experience, and exhort my dear children to walk 
more warily and circumspectly in their youth than I 
have done. It is not enough to be of mild and douce 
nature, and blameless as to public ways before men. I 
thought, in some measure, I could say, it had been so with 
me ; that for many years together I had lived a blame- 
less way before men, and had never thought all this 
while of the sins of my youth until I was near forty 
years old ; and then, and ever since, how have the sins 
of my youth been presented to me — how many times 
have I laid in the dust in the consideration of them ! 
— Alexander Jaffray, 1660. 



Seventh Month 8.] DAILY READINGS. 189 

" And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with 
yon. 11 — 1 Corinthians ix. 23. 



AFTER a solemn silence prevailed, one of the na- 
tives, a supreme Judge, broke it by addressing 
me by name, which he had caught from the certificates ; 
and declaring on behalf of himself and the islanders, 
that the manner of my coming among them was very 
satisfactory, because what had been read and spoken 
was in accordance with the gospel, which they had been 
taught, and were acquainted with. He also at considera- 
ble length touched upon the great distance I had come 
over the deep waters to see them, and to do them good ; 
that, in return, their hearts, and arms, and habitations, 
were open to receive me ; duly appreciating the disinter- 
estedness of the motive that had induced the step, hav- 
ing no trade, nor other object in view. He hoped I should 
visit all their schools, and stroke the heads of the chil- 
dren ; that he should now deliver them into my hands. 
I told my interpreter to say that the dear children would 
always have a strong hold and a strong claim on my heart. 
When it was over, the natives began to flock round us, 
and to shake hands with us in a very hearty manner, with- 
out regard to order, age, or sex, from the humblest peas- 
ant to the bronze-colored queen, her two aunts, and the 
numerous chiefs, who I think are the stoutest, most 
giant-like men I ever saw assembled together. — Daniel 
Wheeler, Tahiti, 1835. 

As they freely receive from Christ, so they give. 



190 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 9. 



" And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven ? and rules 
not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen. — 2 Chron. xx. 6. 

THE whole of my certificates were then audibly read 
in the Tahitian language by "George Pritchard, 
who took great pains to give ample explanation when- 
ever needful. The marked attention and solidity of 
countenance manifested by the Tahitians, were both strik- 
ing and comforting, and the solemnity which sj^read over 
this large assembly had previously covered my mind as 
with a mantle, contriting my spirit under a sense that the 
great Master himself was there. After reading of the 
certificates was gone through, profound silence reigned. 
I asked to say a few words. George Pritchard agreed to 
interpret for me. I then said, " I have no wish to trespass 
upon the time of this meeting. I was desirous that these 
documents might be read, which would account for a 
stranger being present, and inform all that I came not here 
in my own will, but in the will of my Lord and Master, 
whose I am, and whom I desire to serve to my latest breath ; 
and would also let you know that I came with the full 
unity and consent of that branch of the Christian Church 
in England, of which I am a member. And now, grace, 
mercy, and peace from God, the Father, and our Lord 
Jesus Christ, be multiplied upon all the inhabitants of 
this land ; and may the God of peace, who brought again 
from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of 
the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 
keep our hearts and minds," etc. — Daniel Wheeler, 1835. 



Seventh Month .10.] DAILY READINGS. 191 

44 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with yon all 
that are in Christ Jesus. Amen." — 1 Peter v. 14. 



I HAVE often thought of replying to thy last very ac- 
ceptable letter, but the ability seemed so small for 
the performance of it, that I have put it off from time 
to time, hoping I might feel a little more strength ; 
but as age and infirmity are daily increasing upon me, I 
have concluded to delay no longer, having desired ex- 
ceedingly to hear from thee again, and of thy prosperity 
in all things that relate to thy growth and advancement 
in that path of duty intended for thee by the great Head 
of the Church, when he laid his holy hand upon thee to 
pluck thee as a brand from the burning, that thou might- 
est become perfect in beauty, and as a polished shaft in 
his quiver. * * * 

My mind sometimes seems to be drawn into all parts 
of the habitable earth, where the sons and daughters of 
men dwell ; and here and there I find a little seed strug- 
gling for relief, and my soul is nearly united to it in the 
bond and covenant of everlasting love. I feel almost 
daily more alive to the sufferings of humanity and the 
groans of the oppressed, accompanied with the persuasion 
that a great work is on the wheel, and that changes will 
be brought about, altogether out of the reach of human 
control, both in Church and State. Words come far short 
of expressing the concern I feel for our own society — that 
Friends may be preserved in the meekness of wisdom, 
under the direction of Jesus of Nazareth, the ancient Hock 
and Foundation of this people. — Nathan Hunt, 1836. 



192 DAILY READINGS. [Seventh Month 11. 

"And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived 
the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands 
of fellowship ; that we should go unto the heathen/ 1 — Gal. ii. 9. 

TO the heart that is upright and fixed, trusting in 
the Lord, the trials and conflicts of time are high- 
est, richest blessings, operating like a weight of costly 
treasure on a pillar erect ; the greater the burden, the 
firmer and stronger it stands, and the closer it presses 
the foundation. * * * 

In the course of the last two years, I have had an op- 
portunity of witnessing the attempts that are making to 
benefit the benighted inhabitants of various islands in 
the Southern and Northern Pacific Ocean, and have been 
enabled to visit, almost without exception, the solitary 
and secluded allotments of those engaged in this work. 

Although this has been but partially the case in New 
Zealand, yet opportunities have been afforded of seeing 
the faces of many of the members of this extensive mis- 
sion from remote places, as well as of those who reside 
in this immediate neighborhood, who, with others scat- 
tered among different isles, where my lot has been cast, 
are dwelling among strangers in a strange land. Hav- 
ing dwelt myself among a people whose language I could 
not understand, gives me to know the heart of a strange]', 
and to feel for him ; and I also know his only place of 
safety and refuge to be Christ Jesus the Lord ; if He be 
with us, we have nothing to fear, for He is love itself, 
and perfect love casteth out fear." — Daniel Wheeler , 
New Zealand, 183 V. 



Seventh Month 12.] DAILY READINGS. 193 

•_. 

" Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, 
as though some strange thing happened to you. 11 — 1 Peter iv. 12. 



A TIME of trial God hath permitted to come upon 
us to try our faith and love to Him, and this will 
work for the good of them that through faith endure to 
the end. I believe God will be glorified through our 
steadfastness in suffering, and His name exalted in the 
patience of His chosen ones. 

When I heard thou wast called into this trial with the 
servants of the Most High, to give thy testimony to the 
truth of what we have believed, it came into my heart to 
write thee. Well, my dear friend, let us live in the coun- 
sel of the Lord, and dwell in His strength, which gives 
power and sufficiency to endure all things for His name's 
sake, and then the blessings of His heavenly kingdom 
shall be our portion. Oh ! dear hearts, let us give up all 
freely unto the will of God, that our God may be glori- 
fied by us, and we comforted together in the Lord Jesus ; 
which is the desire of my soul. We are more than forty 
here who suffer innocently for the testimony of a good 
conscience, because we cannot swear and break Christ's 
commands. We are all well, and the blessing and pres- 
ence of God are felt to be with us. The power and wis- 
dom of the Lord God be with thee. — Thomas Loe, 1660. 



For though death be a dark passage, it leads to immortality, and that is rec- 
ompense enough for suffering of it.— Wm. Penn. 



194 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 13. 



44 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mo- 
thers : they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick 
up the dust of thy feet ; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord : for they shall 
not be ashamed that wait for me." — Isaiah xlix. 23. 

WE could not find an opportunity to be with the 
Emperor Alexander till the 21st of this month, 
though we were informed that he had heard of our in- 
tention, and desired to receive us as early as he could. 
Dear William Allen and another Friend went with me 
to the Pulteney Hotel, at the time appointed by the Em- 
peror. He came to meet us at the door of his apartment, 
took us bv the hand in a kind manner, and said that for 

ml ' 

a length of time he had wished for an opportunity to be 
with us. Through the Empress, who was at Baden when 
I was at Carlsruhe last winter, he said that he had heard 
of me and of my visit there. Then he inquired into sev- 
eral of our religious testimonies, principles and practices, 
to which dear William Allen answered in English, which 
language the Emperor speaks well. Whilst William was 
engaged in stating the nature of our Christian principles, 
the Emperor said several times, " These are my own sen- 
timents also." He was very particular in his inquiries re- 
specting our views and practices in connection with Divine 
worship, the ministry, the influence of the Divine Spirit, 
etc. He made several very pertinent remarks on these 
various subjects, particularly on prayer. — Stephen Grelr 
let, aged 40. 

Wast thou, till God's sweet voice o'ercame thy soul, 
And led thee thro' the wide world's winding vales, 

Where cot, and dungeon, and the kingly hall. 
Heard in thy Saviour's name, thy bold love-pleading call ! 

—Edward Brown. 



Sbventh Month 14.] DAILY READINGS. 195 

" But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they 
think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 1 '— Matthew vi. 7. 

THE subject of public prayer has been feelingly 
brought to our view, and the belief expressed that, 
in the exercise of this solemn duty, more care is necessary. 
He who knows the hearts of all requires no information 
from his poor creature man. All who bow the knee be- 
fore Him should ever bear in mind that He is in heaven 
and we upon earth ; that He is God and we His creatures, 
therefore our words should be few. 

We are indeed in great mercy encouraged to ask Him 
for all that we are brought to feel we really need, by the 
assurance that if we thus ask in faith, our petitions shall be 
granted. Let this then be the limit of our prayers, 
whether public or private — the counsel and the examples 
recorded in the Holy Scriptures are to this effect. An 
earnest desire has therefore been felt that all who are 
drawn to the solemn service of public prayer may keep so 
near to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, as not to exceed the 
limit of the true spirit of prayer. 

Signed by direction and on behalf of the meeting of the 
Ministers and elders of New York, held 6th month, 1867 
— James Congdon, Clerk. 

! Twas thus, where God himself is known 

To shine without a cloud, 
The angel myriads round his throne, 

In solemn silence bow'd. 

And all were still and silent long, 
Nor dared one note to raise, 
% Till burst the vast ecstatic song, 

And heaven was filled with praise. 

—J. J. GUBNKT. 



196 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 15. 



"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband."— -Proverbs xii. 4. 

HOW often have I prayed that the portion of her 
Lord's spirit which animated her * devoted life 
may rest on me ! Her heart, her tongue, and her pen 
were all employed in promoting the cause of her Divine 
Master, whom she delighted to serve. All my earthly 
joy was now gone to heaven, and I felt alone in the world ; 
but my spirit seemed never to be separated from her: 
she seemed to be hovering over me constantly. My heart 
does sorrow for the loss of her sweet society ; to me she 
was a wise and sound counselor, and a never-failing 
consoler in all my troubles. I do mourn, but I dare not 
murmur. I hope my merciful Heavenly Father will keep 
me in the hour of temptation, and be with me in the last 
trying hour, and prepare me to join this precious one 
and all by whom she is surrounded, with her God and 
Saviour in the center of bliss. 

I had often mentioned to my precious one a prospect 
of religious service in Ireland, and once since our return 
home from our last Continental journey ; when she replied, 
" I have no concern to go to Ireland — thou must do that 
when I am taken from thee." It cost me many tears and 
prayers before I could be resigned to request a certificate, 
alone, for the first time since our union ; but, looking, 
seriously at the subject, the language was constantly in 
my heart, the hour cometh when no man can work. 
Life is uncertain, and I can only expect sustaining grace 
by faithfully following my Lord. — John Yeardley. 

* Martha Yeardley. 



Seventh Month 16.] DAILY READINGS. 197 

" That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, 
willing to communicate." — 1 Tim. vi. 18. 

I WAITED on three female Friends to our Yearly- 
Meeting, now in session, being a distance of three 
hundred and thirty miles. We passed many schools, at 
the doors of which we generally called and presented the 
teachers with tracts of various kinds, which were cor- 
dially accepted. While our horses were feeding, we often 
went into schools, and were permitted to read a bio- 
graphical sketch of some pious child, and make some re- 
marks to encourage the children to follow their amiable 
example. 

Such a scene was new and striking to the children and 
teachers, and my mind has often been deeply contrited, 
in observing the susceptibility which has prevailed, and 
I have been ready to exclaim, " Surely, the Lord is no re- 
specter of persons." As to the effect of these impressions, 
I shall not attempt to predict. I have observed among 
the numerous applicants in new countries to be received 
into membership with us, they mostly were such as in child- 
hood or youth had some acquaintance with Friends. 

Being one of the committee for distribution, I have 
sometimes spent days in company with a dear friend, in 
•going from school to school, and I think may esteem them 
some of the happiest days of my life. 

I believe last year I distributed to about one hundred 
schools. — Joseph Tallcot, 1820. 



198 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 17. 



" For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of 
him who hath subjected the same in hope ; because the creature itself also shall 
be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the 
children of God."— Romans xx. 20, 21. 

OUR state in this life is a state of probation. Such 
was the state of man originally, and such it is 
now. And in order that man at first, or ever after, 
might be able to conquer, or be justly punishable for de- 
sertion or defeat, he was, is, and must be, armed with 
armor invincible against all the powers that were or 
are suffered to assail him. This is just our ground, our 
state and situation : subject to vanity, or to many and 
various temptations, yet, being inwardly armed with the 
spirit of Omnipotence, so far as Ave stand faithful and 
light valiantly in the strength afforded us, we are sure of 
victory. Our strength or help is only in God ; but then 
it is near us, it is in us — a force superior to all possible 
opposition — a force that never was nor can be foiled. 

Many there are who put light for darkness, and dark- 
ness for light; bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. 
They call the divine light, " which lighteneth every man 
that cometh into the world, " * a natural light, an ignis 
fatuus, or by some other ignominious epithet, though 
the Scriptures declare it to be the very life of the holy 
Word, that was in the beginning with God, and truly 
was God. — Job Scott. 

* John i. 9. 



Seventh Month 18.] DAILY READINGS. 199 

*• Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be 
healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.'- '—James 
v. 16. 

HE uttered the following prayer : " O Lord, my God ! 
the amazing horrors of darkness were gathered 
around me, and covered me all over, and I saw no way 
to go forth ; I felt the depth and extent of the misery of 
my fellow-creatures separated from the Divine harmony, 
and it was heavier than I could bear, and I was crushed 
down under it ; I lifted up my hand, I stretched out my 
arm, but there was none to help me ; I looked round 
about, and was amazed. In the depths of misery, O Lord ! 
I remembered that thou art omnipotent ; that I had called 
thee Father; and I felt that I loved thee, and I was 
made quiet in my will, and I waited for deliverance from 
thee. Thou hadst pity upon me, when no man could help 
me ; I saw that meekness under suffering was showed to 
us in the most affecting example of thy Son, and thou 
taught me to follow him, and I said, c Thy will, O Father, 
be done!'" — John Woolman, 1112 

A King in his crown may rejoice ; 

And Rank of its titles be proud ; 
The Singer exult in the charms of his voice ; 

And Pomp, in the gaze of a crowd, 
And the martyr of wealth, rendered poor by his store, 

Be bowed to by those who his idol adore. 

Yet the King must descend from his throne, 

When the day of Jehovah shall come ; 
And titles be trustless, and pomp stand alone, 

And the voice of the Singer be dumb ;— 
And Mammon, once worshipp'd, be loath'd and abhorr'd, 

In the just and the terrible day of the Lord ! 

—Bernard Barton. 



200 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 19. 



M Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the 
pleasures of sin for a season.'"— Hebrews xi. 25. 

THE same divine principle of light and life which led 
me out of the forms and ceremonies, to worship the 
Father in spirit and in truth, also led me by its secret 
teachings into a straight and narrow way, as to all super- 
fluities in dress and address. Simplicity of dress and ad- 
dress is becoming an humble follower of a crucified Saviour, 
whose garments or vesture was so unlike the fashions of 
that day, that they cast lots for it as a curiosity, for it 
was without seam. There is a cross to many among us 
in these things, as the practice of them declares to the 
beholders whose disciples we profess to be ; and although 
all power in heaven and earth is given unto Him, yet, 
because the world in their foolish vain hearts despise the 
wisdom of God in these things, intended to crucify us 
to the spirit of the world, and the pomps and vanities 
of it, they are ashamed of the cross, and would rather 
enjoy the pleasures of a sinful world, which are only for a 
season, than suffer affliction with the people of God in 
the scoffings of the world. Although I knew the 
Quakers held these testimonies, and that they were 
outward marks of union with them, nevertheless, I was 
desirous to know the ground of them in myself, and not 
to take up anything in which such great salvation was 
concerned, but from a clear conviction that it was from the 
living foundation God hath laid in my heart, and not man. 
— John Conron, Dublin, Ireland, 1772. 



Seventh Month 20.] 



DAILY READINGS. 201 



" For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous : but the way of the ungodly 
shall perish."— Psalm i. 6. 

I WENT to the Yearly Meeting of Friends. It was 
an interesting time, and I think wholesome to me in 
many ways. In the first place, it afforded me a fresh 
stimulus, on general grounds, to seek the Lord with all 
my heart ; and secondly, it introduced me to a more par- 
ticular acquaintance with the Society. I thought, some 
time since, I was advancing to a greater agreement with 
this most excellent religious body ; but I now feel a little 
thrown back ; but this is at a time of general weakness. 
I can, in theory, agree with them in much of their doc- 
trine of spiritual guidance ; but I fear greatly that my 
practice is contrary to the precepts they build upon it. 
If it be true, that there is this living power which will 
direct us, under all circumstances, in the sure path which 
leadeth to life, O w^hat a happiness to know it ; and what 
a misery to be without it ! O that the Lord would be 
pleased to give me this holy gift in larger measure, and 
to bestow upon me a heart to follow and obey him. — 

Jesus, in secret still to thee, 

O ! point my holier way ; 
Bid me from each gay chain be free, 

To own a Saviours sway. 

Bid me beneath thy parent wing, 

Still, Lord, in peace remain ; 
That every charm the world can bring 

May tempt my soul in vain. 

—J. J. Gurnet. 

Attendance of London Yearly Meeting, Fifth Month, 1811, at the age of 23. 



202 DAILY READINGS. [Seventh Month 21. 



" Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and 
wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel. ,, — 1 Peter iii. 3. 



M 



Y soul was humbled with the weight of gratitude 
for the reuewings of the Holy Ghost once more 
vouchsafed to a backsliding sinner. Under a sense of 
overwhelming mercy, and subdued by the power of di- 
vine love, I again entered into covenant with the God of 
Israel, that if he would be my shepherd I would join 
with the flock of Christ, follow their foosteps, and be- 
come whatever he would have me to be. 

Hunger and thirst after righteousness became the pre- 
vailing sensations of my soul, and I loug for the com- 
plete conquest of sin above all things. Lord, in Thy mer- 
cy and in Thy faithfulness;, answer my continued prayer 
unto Thee, that I may show forth Thy praisefrom day to 
day, and live to Thy glory here, and in Thy presence 
hereafter. * * * 

The prevailing desire of my soul is, to " stand still and 
see the salvation of God" in any way, and through 
whatever means, He may appoint, and to become quali- 
fied to pursue the common business of the day which 
may be assigned me with diligence and spirituality, 
doing everything in season, and " as unto the Lord." 

Preparations for a removal from my precious maternal 
home, from the delightful shelter of domestic love, from 
the multiplied enjoyments of a London residence, and 
from the valued privileges of refined and Christian socie- 
ty, produced feelings powerfully oppressive. — Chnlotte 
Dudley, 1820. 



Seventh Month 22.] DAILY READINGS. 203 

41 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and ecourgeth every son whom 
he receiveth."— Heb. xii. 6. 

THE allotment of suffering and sorrow is, in itself, a 
proof of heavenly love, and grace to see and re- 
ceive affliction is indeed to be appreciated as a further 
blessing from the Fatherly Hand. May all cast them- 
selves into the arms of Infinite Mercy, remembering that 
the Lord doth not afflict willingly, and " although He 
cause grief, yet hath He compassion." How sweet it is 
when we are in pain and sorrow to think of Him who 
bore our infirmities, by whose stripes, bruises and incon- 
ceivable anguish, the gift of pardon and peace is procured 
for us, and our lighter afflictions made blessings, as 
drawing us to look from the things which are seen and 
temporal, to the things that are not seen but are eternal. 

I am by no means in the heights. My own experience 
qualifies me more for sympathy with the poor, the blind 
and the ignorant, than with a state of abounding, or where 
light and knowledge seem to mark the path. * * * 

The guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, as recog- 
nized bv Friends, does not seem understood bv those 
deemed most pious in other denominations, and yet it 
would be wrong to judge these as unfaithful. Still we 
must acknowledge our privilege, and never did I see 
more reason to use it with reverent thankfulness. 

To cease from man, and really depend on Christ, de- 
mands continued subjection of will, and much inward at- 
tention to the working of that faith which purifies the 
heart. — Elizabeth Dudley \ 1834. 



204 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 23 



"Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord; let thy loving- 
kindness and thy truth continually preserve me."— Psalm xl. 11. 

" Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me. O Lord make haste to help me."— 
Psalm xl. 13. 

OTHOU that seest in secret, that knowest all 
things, that searchest the hearts, and triest the 
inward parts of all men, and in whose pure sight iniquity 
is discerned and judged, — may it please thee yet once 
again to regard and pity thy frail and faltering servant: 
who am not worthy to be accounted of thy household ; 
and yet cannot rest satisfied in anything short of a 
pure and perfect surrender and sacrifice of my all unto 
thy service. O ! thy presence, thy purifying, preserving 
energy and virtue inwardly communicated to my soul — 
how has it helped me along in my earthly pilgrimage — 
how lias it sustained me in the year of drought, and in 
the hour of temptation and of trial ! In all the depths 
into which I have been, and may be, cast or permitted 
to be plunged, Lord ! thou knowest that nothing has 
been able, or I trust shall be able, to induce me to 
deny that thou has blessed me and done me good. 
Though thou slay me, yet will I endeavor after resigna- 
tion and submission ; for without thee what am I ? O 
my Father ! is there yet a door of hope for me, yet a 
little access for me, before I go hence, and of men I am 
seen no more ? May I presume to plead with thee for 
forgiveness and pardon, who am unworthy to hope foi 
it ; having so often transgressed and offended by unfaith- 
fulness and many backslidings. — John Barclay, 1819. 



Seventh Month 24.] DAILY KEADINGS. 205 

M For unto us a child is bom, unto us a son is given : and the government shall 
be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the 
Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."— Isa. ix. 6. 

THE Son of God, who is called Christ, the Prince of 
Peace and Righteousness, is one with the Father 
in power and dominion, and was with him before the 
world was. By him the Father created all things, and 
without him was not anything made that was made. He 
is the Heir of all things, and is the Prince of the king- 
dom of righteousness, of peace, and truth. He is the 
word and power by which all things consist, and is the 
salvation of mankind, and the very life of the world. 
He inherits life and immortality, and is the Redeemer, 
Saviour, Deliverer, and Restorer of the children of men. 
He is the very wisdom and power of the Creator, and the 
Father doeth nothing without the Son, and by him and 
through him the Father bringeth all things to pass. By 
him the Father will judge the whole earth, and all the 
children of Adam therein. This Christ Jesus, the Son of 
God, is the life and light of the world, and hath enlight- 
ened all mankind. Every one that cometh into the world 
is lighted by him with the true light of life or condemna- 
tion ; and what the Son doeth, the Father doeth also. — 
Edward Burrough, London, 1657. 



It seems but reasonable that those whom God has distinguished from others 
by his goodness, should distinguish themselves to him by their gratitude.— 
Wm. Penn. 



206 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 25. 



" Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves 
from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 
— 2 Cor. vii. 1. 

I HAD been employed in bringing myself to a more 
circumspect life, being pretty careful in my conduct, 
and conversation, and just in my dealings among men, 
and was willing to believe I had attained to great mat- 
ters, and that I might now take up my rest ; for by my 
own strength, abilities, and contrivance, I could not only 
keep up a fair upright character among men, and make my 
life happy, and myself respected ; but also (Oh ! the de- 
ceitful workings of Satan ! Oh ! the mystery of iniquity !) 
that it would at the close of time here gain me an inher- 
itance in the regions of purity and peace, among all those 
who are sanctified. But, how can I sufficiently adore my 
great and good Master, for his continued regard and 
care over me, in that he did not suffer me to remain long 
in this state of delusion and error. He disturbed my false 
rest, and made me at times exceedingly uneasy with it, 
and gave me at length to see, that, notwithstanding my 
regularity of behavior and all my boasted attainments, 
T fell far short of that purity which all the vessels in 
the Lord's house must come to ; and that I was yet un- 
der the law, which cannot make the comers thereunto 
perfect, not having passed under the flaming sword, 
nor felt the day of the Lord to be come, which burns 
like an oven. — Wm. Savery, 1778. 

Death cannot kill what never dies. 



Seventh Month 26.] 



DAILY READINGS. 207 



41 1 will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will 
be their God, and they shall be my people."— Jer. xxxi. 33. 

Hi /J" AN is the head of human government, and is frail 
JlVJL and fallible. Christ is the head in his spiritual 
kingdom or church, and is all-powerful and all-wise. 
The laws of one are external ; those of the other, enforced 
as they are by the Holy Scriptures and the preaching of 
the gospel, are written on the heart, apprehended, and 
applied through the Holy Spirit. The laws of one 
are to be established and maintained by human authority 
and outward means ; those of the other by divine, 
inward, gentle, and self-persuasive power and convictions. 
In the latter, the interference of human authority tends 
to mar the work, and to destroy the spiritual vitality. 
Christ particularly pointed out this distinction, and cau- 
tioned his followers against overlooking it, and acting 
on the spirit and principles of the world. " Ye know that 
the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them ; 
and they that are great exercise authority upon them ; 
but it shall not be so among you, but whosoever will 
be great among you, let him be your minister ; and who- 
soever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." 
Consequently the greatness and power of this world 
have no place, as such, in the kingdom or church of Christ ; 
on the contrary, they are often disqualifying circum- 
stances and appendages, to be regarded rather with jeal- 
ousy as snares and temptations, than as helps in the king- 
dom of Christ, and in the government of his church. — 
John Allen, England, 185 3. 



208 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 27. 



" I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and 
humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the 
contrite ones. 11 — Isa. lvii. 15. 

I BELIEVE among all sorts of people " those who fear 
God and work righteousness are accepted of Him : " 
but, as faithfulness agreeable to knowledge is the terms 
of our acceptance, it behooves us to seek earnestly for 
strength to do, as well as to be desirous to know, the heav- 
enly Father's will ; and whoever is thus sincerely exer- 
cised is likely to attain to his salvation. 

I am sorrowfully sensible of the great declension there 
is amongst us, a religious society, from primitive purity 
and love to God ; nevertheless, the principle of light and 
life we profess is unchangeably the same ; and there are 
those yet with us who, moving under its influence, rejoice 
in the manifestation thereof to their souls. That others 
under the same profession should run counter thereto, 
is no more than may be expected, though much to be la- 
mented ; for as now many hold the profession from edu- 
cation, and are born with passions like other men ; until 
those passions come under Divine restriction, they will 
produce their natural fruits. 

May the God of all consolation, who raised from the 
dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great and true Shepherd 
of his own sheep, " so manifest him. as such to thy soul, 
that hearing His voice thou mayst follow Him, " and 
arrive to such an establishment in righteousness as to 
be favored with peace. — Catherine Phillips, 1778. 



Seventh Month 12.] DAILY READINGS. 209 

" Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might."— Eccl. ix. 10. 

IF we are called to any station or situation in life, I 
do not know that we ought to reject it, merely be- 
cause responsibility is attached to it; for if we can do 
good, we should not shrink from labor because it is un- 
pleasant to us ; but if duty points the path, set our hands 
and our hearts cheerfully to work. 

There is scarcely anything in life to which some de- 
gree of responsibility is not annexed. If we are blessed 
with sound limbs, we ought to use them according to 
their office ; if with a good understanding, we are bound 
to cultivate it. If we are possessed of riches, we should 
use them as good stewards who are to account for them. 
If we have servants, we are responsible for our care and 
good treatment of them ; and if children, much more so, 
and likewise to labor for their benefit in various respects. 
No relationship or situation in life can be exempt from 
responsibility ; and though we may not covet those situ- 
ations where it is increased, to endeavor to escape it 
wholly will be in vain, because in the nature of things 
impossible. To be content whatever we are, or in what- 
ever circumstances we are placed, filling up the mea- 
sure of our duties as well as we are able, is the only 
wise and safe plan — the plan which will most promote 
our happiness in the present life, and give us a well- 
grounded hope that we shall receive the welcome sentence 
of "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter 
thou into the joy of the Lord." — Margaret Woods, 1818. 



210 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 29. 



" And said unto them, go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right 
I will give you. And they went their way."— Matthew xx. 4. 

NOW you are called to dress the garden ; let not 
the weeds and wild plants remain. Peevishness 
is a weed ; anger is a weed ; self-love and self-will are 
weeds ; pride is a wild plant ; covetousness is a wild 
plant ; lightness and vanity are wild plants ; and lust is 
the root of all. And these things have had a room in 
your garden, and have been tall and strong ; and truth, 
innocency and equity have been left, and could not be 
found until the Sun of Righteousness arose and searched 
out that which was lost, and brought again that which 
was driven away. * * * Your work shall be to 
watch and keep out the fowls of the air, the unclean 
beasts, the wild bears, and the subtle foxes, and He 
that is the Husbandman will pluck up the wild plants 
and weeds, and make defense about the vines ; He will 
tell you what to do ; He, who is Father of the vineyard, 
will be nigh you. ISTow, read within, or you will stumble ; 
and what is not clear unto you, wait for the fulfilling : 
c He that believeth, maketh not haste? But you who are 
covered with leaves only, the Sun will search : you must 
come to the fall of the leaf, and to the time of deadness 
and winter, before the life will appear, and the living 
springs be opened. You must cast off your own gar- 
ments, and then the Son will clothe you, but not before 
you are naked. You must not have, no, not so much 
as an apron of fig-leaves to cover your nakedness, for 
shame must come upon all flesh. — James Parnell. 



Seventh Month 30.] 



DAILY JREADINGS. 211 



" Of myself 1 will not glory, but in mine infirmities."— 2 Cor. xii. 5. 

I AM indeed prepared to sympathize by experience 
with the most faint and feeble of my fellow-travel- 
ers. Yes, I can cordially take the poorest of the men- 
tal poor by the hand, and say, my brother, or my sister, 
though thou mayst not be able to rejoice in thy tribula- 
tions, yet endeavor to be thankful ; and low or weak as 
thou art ready to apprehend thyself, yet count it a great 
mercy to have been preserved hitherto, through the 
shocks and shades and other vicissitudes of thy proba- 
tionary course. * * 

I unite with thee in the sentiment, that there is more of 
spiritual life in society than in solitude ; and that there 
is more of this society in towns than in fields and in 
woods, is equally true ; yet we cannot but lore rural 
scenes ; and impressed perhaps with the feeling that " God 
made the country, and man made the town," we find the 
latter suffer greatly by comparison, as all artificial things 
must do, when placed in contrast with the workmanship 
of a perfect Creator. Yet, on the whole, both the quan- 
tity and quality of active or positive virtue is found to 
rise higher in social than secluded life; and this fact I 
think applies in a remarkable manner, though I can 
scarcely tell why, to our religious society; still I love 
the country ; and the life of a farmer, such as I could ima- 
gine, though it might seem a little Arcadian, has charms 
even for my age, which no other employment possesses. 
— Jonathan Hutchinson. 18 27. 



212 DAILY READINGS. 



[Seventh Month 31. 



" As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, 
O God."— Psalm xlii. 1. 

MY attachment has not been more cordial or agreea- 
ble to any young Friend in England, and my 
heart leaped with joy to find thou art willing to 
acknowledge a state of hunger and thirst after righteous- 
ness, which, if thou cherish and dwell in, thou never need 
to doubt, my dear friend, will eventually be crowned 
with the enjoyment of the heavenly promise, " thou shalt 
be filled." Thou art favored with amiable and benevolent 
dispositions, which I hope thou hast wisely determined 
shall not be eclipsed by a conformity to the god of this 
world ; nor enslaved by its rudiments and maxims, its 
philosophy and vain deceit, but rather with a holy 
magnanimity, regardless of the world's dread laugh, thou 
wilt resolve to implore the Omnipotent Hand that formed 
thee for glory, immortality, and eternal life, to finish the 
glorious work He has begun, by creating thee anew in 
Christ Jesus unto every good word and work ; bringing 
thee under the dominion of His power and spirit, the fruit 
of which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, 
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. 

Thou ask my advice, my dear friend ; it is very evident, 
thou art under the especial care of an infinitely better 
Instructor, who has already uttered his soft and heavenly 
voice, to teach thee that the first step towards religion is 
true humility. — Wm. Savery to Elisabeth Gurney, 1798. 

Unless virtue guide us our choice must be in vain. 



Eighth Month 1.] DAILY HEADINGS. 213 

H But others fell on good ground and brought forth, some an hundred fold, 
some sixty fold, some thirty fold. 1 ' — Matthew xiii. 8. 

THE ground, of which darkness is disobedience, which 
made Christ say to the Jews : " If you will do the 
Will of God, you shall know of my doctrine, if it be of 
God or not ;" I say, the mystery, power and virtue of 
Christianity is shut up in this divine seed ; and if thou, 
O reader ! knowest it not, but art only speculatively 
a Christian, open thy heart, and let it into the good 
ground, and thou shalt quickly find the efficacy and 
excellency of it in the fruits that will spring from it. The 
increase will be very great, and the taste thereof sweeter 
much than the honey or the honey-comb. " She is a tree 
of life (said a wise and a great king of old time) to all 
them that lay hold upon her ; and happy is every one 
that retaineth her : for her fruit is better than gold, and 
her revenue than choice silver." It was by him styled 
wisdom, because it made him wise; and will make every 
one that is taught by it ; for it makes people wise to 
salvation by teaching them the fear of the Lord, and to 
depart from iniquity and every evil way. All such are 
said to have a good understanding. The apostle Paul 
also calleth it the " grace of God, that bringeth salvation, 
that hath appeared to all men," and grace, because it is 
God's free gift, not our merit of purchase. " God so loved 
the world, He gave his only begotten Son to save it, 
who was full of grace and truth, and of his fullness we 
receive grace for grace, in order to salvation." — H. Bar- 
clay. 



214 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 2. 



" That onr daughters may be as corner-stones, polished after the similitude 
jf a palace." — Psalm cxliv. 12. 

IAM free to confess that my attachment to the prin- 
ciples of our Society has increased of late. In try- 
ing to be quiet, and to put everything aside that would 
tend to cloud our vision (and manifold are these hinder- 
ances), I think the way gradually, but surely, grows 
light before us, and we are led almost insensibly along. 
I believe, too, that as we sincerely desire to yield perfect 
obedience, those things which we had not courage enough 
to resolve to do for ourselves, are done for us, and we 
bless God for the chastening which mercy dictated. " I 
am tired of stru<™lin£ " said a friend to me the other 
day. As if our life could be anything but a perpetual 
warfare, the good and the evil so strive together. But 
it matters not whether our lot be one of joy or sorrow, 
if we only reach home at last. It may not be sinful to 
look with earnest yet patient desires to the haven where 
the weary are at rest. I think of thee very often, with 
strong interest and sympathy, knowing that thy trials 
are great and peculiar. When flesh and heart fail, there 
is but one refuge, and the conviction that He liveth who 
pities as a father pitieth his children ; that He sees and 
knows all — every bitter and weary struggle, every desire, 
however faint, for conformity to His will, and that in 
His own time He will arise and deliver from the thoughts 

and anxieties which so oppress us. Ah, dear , if wq 

always felt this faith, the sting of the deepest earthly sor- 
row would be removed. — Elizabeth Taber, 1841, aged 19. 



Eighth Month 3.] 



DAILY READINGS. 215 



11 Her sun is gone down while it was yet day.' 1 — Jer. xv. 9. 

I BELIEVE it is not safe for me to be trusted with 
health and strength, under some plea or other I am 
so apt to use them for my own purposes. Lately I have 
lost my hold on the pearl ; in my attempts to promote the 
comfort of my family, the quiet of my spirit has been 
disturbed. Some of this is doubtless owing to physical 
weakness ; but with every temgtation, there is a way of 
escape ; there is never any need to sin. 

Another thing I have suffered loss from — entering 
into the business of the day without seeking to have my 
spirit quieted and directed. So many things press upon 
me, this is sometimes neglected ; shame to me that it 
should be so. 

Some things I must bear in mind: 1st, Always to seek 
this daily retirement, and earnestly search into my faults. 
2d, To talk less, and carefully to weigh my words, so 
that they may minister grace to the hearer. Let me be 
careful, without display or pretension, when I do speak 5 
to do some good, if it is only to manifest kind feeling 
toward others. 3d, And this is of great importance, to 
watch carefully — now I am so weak — not to over fatigue 
myself, because then I cannot contribute to the pleasure 
of others ; and a placid face and a gentle tone will make 
my family more happy than anything else I can do for 
them. Our own will gets sadly into the performance of 
our duties sometimes. 4th, Almost above everything 
else, to agonize for a loving spirit toward all. — Elizabeth 
Taber King, 1856, aged 35. 



216 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 4. 



"And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the peop'e 
knowledge ; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many 
proverbs. "— Eccl. xii. 9. 



H 



E is an accountant who can cast up correctly the 
sum of his own errors. 



As the stream, so the ship; canoes for shallows, and 
vessels of burden for deep waters. 

Fear is often mistaken for condescension, and forbear- 
ance for pusillanimity. 

We are too apt to imagine that contentment may be 
found almost anywhere than at home. 

In religious disquisitions, the tongue does not always 
represent the mind. 

Thieves are as liberal as honest men ; but then it is 
with other people's property. 

Those who have had the most forgiven Aem, should 
be the least addicted to slander. 

Others sometimes appear to us more wrong than they 
are, because we ourselves are not right in judging them. 

A lottery, which is confessedly a species of gambling, is 
an unsafe corner-stone to erect a place for worship upon. 

Ingratitude to a benefactor naturally indisposes him 
to continue his benefits. 

Company which does not help to improve us, will cer- 
tainly have a contrary effect. — George Dillicyn. 



Eighth Month 5.] 



DAILY READINGS. 217 



"He that taketh not his cross and followeth after me, cannot be my disciple." 
-Matt. x. 38. 

THE Cross being minded, it makes a separation from 
all other lovers, and brings to God, and the 
ground of evil thoughts comes to be opened ; which cross 
overturns the world in the heart, and must be taken up 
by all who follow Jesus Christ out of the world which 
hath an end, into the world which is without end. All the 
evil things of the world must be denied; for he who loves 
the world, the love of the Father is not in him ; but where 
the world is standing, the cross is not lived in. But 
dwelling in the cross to the world here, the love of God 
is shed abroad in the heart, and the way is opened 
into the inheritance which fades not away — where noth- 
ing shall enter which is defiled. For God is not seen but 
in the eternal Light from whence all pure wisdom comes. 
This treasure is not seen but with the spiritual eye, nor 
received but with the pure in heart, and by those who 
dwell and abide in the eternal Light. But the carnal 
heart may get the words from them who had received the 
wisdom, and who dwelt in the fear of the Lord ; but 
they who live without the fear may get their words, and 
yet know not wisdom's gate, from whence those words 
proceeded, having the old bottle. Watch all, therefore, 
and see what ye do possess ; for all who give forth the 
Holy Scripture, who dwelt in the fear of God, they pos- 
sessed the life, which those words proceeded from, and 
the secret, for the Lord was with them.- - George Fox, 
1653. 



218 DAILY HEADINGS. 



[Eighth Month 6. 



" Thus saith the Lord, cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh 
flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. 111 — Jer. xvii. 5. 

HEARING some persons mention that their pre. 
ference of silent meetings was increasing, I was 
led to consider the happiness of having bread in our 
own houses, and water in our own cisterns ; where we need 
not the help of man, but can worship in solemn silence 
the Father of spirits, in spirit and in truth. 

For my own part at present T feel far from this desirable 
attainment ; clouds and darkness seem to overshadow me. 
In this state of mind, outward help is frequently neces- 
sary ; and if the spring lies deep, and we have no strength 
to dig, the joint labor of others assists us in coming to that 
refreshment which we know not how to obtain. Never- 
theless, I am well convinced, that a dependence on out- 
ward help will avail us nothing. If we are nourished by 
the bread of life, it must be by sinking deep into our 
own hearts, and experiencing the living powerful word 
to be near us, w^hich will guide us into all truth. 

We are too apt to let a careless negligence take hold 
of our minds when assembled together for the purpose 
of worship ; instead of keeping them diligently fixed 
on the supreme Author of our being, and endeavoring 
to wait in the silence of all flesh, to hear that inspeaking 
word which would not only show us our states and con- 
ditions, and inform us what we ought to do ; but, in His 
own good time, prepare a sacrifice acceptable to himself, 
and cause us to rejoice in the overshadowing of his love. 
— Margaret Woods, 1774. 



Eighth Month 7 ] 



DAILY READINGS. 219 



" Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."— John xv. 14. 

TO thee would I hand more than a cup of cold water 
in the name of a disciple, if I had it to give. We 
are very emphatically called Friends ; and friends we 
should be to one another, not sparing friendly advice 
and reproof, and taking willing oversight of one another 
as keepers of one another, and so profitably conjoined in 
harmonious labor. If, then, we should not withhold re- 
proof and correction in proper season, why should we 
withhold encouragement, and the expression of strength 
ening unity ? If I have anything to write to thee, my 
dear, at this time, it is in this line — the line of encourage- 
ment to hold on thy way. Continue in the littleness of 
self, and thou wilt continue to witness an enlargement in 
the service of thy great Master. And be not weary in 
well-doing ; consider whose cause it is in which thou art 
engaged, of infinite importance and consequence ; and how 
much depends on every one who is sent on any expedi 
tion, or who has any part to maintain, faithfully and 
firmly discharging their duty. Farewell. Mayst thou 
take deeper and deeper root in humility and in the ex- 
perience of the Divine life, for thy own preservation and 
nourishment, the more thou advancest in religious stature 
and spreadest wide thy fruit-bearing branches. 

By faithfulness in matters comparatively small, ac- 
cumulated strength and encouragement accrues. Clean 
hearts and clean hands give boldness and confidence. — 
Richard Shackletoji. 17$ 9. 



220 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 8' 



11 Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among 
the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord. 11 — Obadiah i. 4. 

IT occurred to me this morning, whilst engaged in men- 
tal retirement and prostration of soul before Him 
who scurtinizes not only our actions but our thoughts, and 
whose piercing eye divides, as it were, between joints and 
marrow, and penetrates into the inmost recesses of our de- 
ceitful hearts, that to affect the use of high-flown and what 
are called learned expressions, for the sake of displaying 
either our natural or acquired abilities, or to please itch- 
ing ears of men, is equally reprehensible with the use 
of gray clothing, or sumptuous furniture, and is only 
another shape of pride and ostentation, and of this fault, 
oh, my soul, thou hast great need especially to beware. 
Sitting at breakfast, my mind was bowed in thankful- 
ness for the plentiful and comfortable table which Provi- 
dence, in the riches of His bounty, enables me to spread for 
my dear children, whilst thousands of perhaps far more 
worthy receivers are not so amply provided for ; which 
humbles me under a deep sense of the very inadequate 
returns I seem able to make, though I hope I feel some 
degree of that condition of heart which He condescends 
not to despise. — Jonathan Hutchinson^ 1808. 



If wisdom be not our guide in the journey of life, it is more than probable 
that self-conceit will occupy its place.— George Dillwyn. 



Eighth Month 9.] 



DAILY READINGS. 221 



"That ye may tell it to the generation following. For this God is our God 
for ever and ever ; He will be our guide even unto death."— Psalm xlviii. 13, 14. 

THIS meeting earnestly recommends to all Friends 
who are concerned for the prosperity of truth, to 
exercise a tender care over the younger members of 
society, bearing in mind the opposed situation of many 

of them and their critical period of life. He would en- 
courage Friends to cultivate an acquaintance with such, 
to call upon them in their places of abode, and to mani- 
fest, by the general tenor of their conduct towards them, 
a kind interest in their welfare and preservation from 
harm, and a solicitude that they may be established on 
the right foundation, in the faith and hope of the Gospel. 
We believe this feeling of regard, if cherished, will induce 
Friends, when any are not diligent in attending our reli- 
gious meetings, to press upon them the advantage and im- 
portance of this primary duty. It will lead them also to 
encourage our young people to read the Holy Scriptures 
daily, with desires that the Lord may bless these invalua- 
ble writings to their spiritual instruction. 

And we entreat Friends to promote, especially the 
younger part of our body, an acquaintance with the wri- 
tings of our approved authors, in which are set forth the 
grounds of our religious testimonies, the persecutions suf- 
fered by our faithful predecessors in the support of them, 
and many instances of the visitations of divine love so 
often mercifully granted in early life. — London Epistle^ 
1833. 



222 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 10. 



" For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the 
flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.' 1 — 1 Cor. i. 26. 

A CAUTION has been sounded that we may at all 
times live so near our Divine Master, as to watch 
over one another for good, always remembering that the 
servant smites his fellow-servant only when the master is 
absent. The source from whence proceeds the Christian 
ministry was alluded to, with desires that great care 
should be observed by those who are intrusted with this 
divine gift. * * * 

The view entertained of it by our early Friends is well 
worthy our constant attention. One of them compares 
it to the clouds, which the Lord fills with rain, which when 
so charged fall in refreshing showers upon the earth, 
and having accomplished his will return again to vapor. 
So his ministers should be when he is pleased to fill 
them with heavenly good, and causes his word to distil 
like dew upon the mown grass ; they have then accom- 
plished his pleasure, and like the clouds are to return 
again to their own nothingness, until he shall again be 
pleased to make use of them to fulfill his own gracious 
purposes. Then, beloved friends, under a consideration 
of how much has been done for us without us, should not 
every one in sincerity adopt the language, " What man- 
ner of persons ought [we] to be in all holy conversation 
and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming 
of the day of God ? " — Yearly Meeting of Ministers and 
Elders in New York, 1867, James Cong don, Clerk. 



Eighth Month 11.] DAILY READINGS. 223 

"Because that which maybe known of God is manifest in them; for God 
hath shewed it into them. 1 ' — Romans i. 19. 

A PERSON", not a member of our Society, married a 
Friend, and though she afterwards inclined to 
attend the meeting she had been accustomed to, he very 
much opposed her in it, saying she might unite herself 
to any sect except the Quakers, and he would join her. 
This tried her very much, and in this time of conflict and 
close proving, I had a meeting at a place called Free- 
hold, a mile or two from where this person lived. His 
wife had a desire to go to it, and she prevailed upon him 
to accompany her. I had another meeting in the even- 
ing at Bordentown, to which they also came ; and while 
we were at breakfast, on the following day, he and his 
wife stepped in. Immediately my feelings became ar- 
rested, and I could eat but very little more. I drew my 
chair a small space from the table, and soon a very solemn 
pause ensued, when, turning toward them, my mind was 
opened in a striking manner to address them both. It 
seemed to have a powerful effect upon the man, especially, 
and though he was a stranger to me, I afterwards was 
told that he entirely denied that the Almighty held 
communion with his creatures, but after this he gave it 
up completely, and said that if the very secrets of his 
heart had not been told him, which he had never in his life 
revealed to any one, he might have doubted still ; but 
here was demonstration irresistible, and he surrendered 
freely, and become a worthy member and respected elder 
in that society he had despised. — Nathan Hunt, 1820. 



224 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 12. 



" Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who 
shall be heirs of salvation ? "— Hebrews i. 14. 

IN a time of sickness with the pleurisy, a little more 
than two years and a half ago, I was brought so 
near the gates of death, that I forgot my name. Being 
then desirous to know who I was, I saw a mass of matter of 
a dull gloomy color, between the south and east ; and was 
informed that this mass was human beings in as great mis- 
ery as they could be, and live, and that I was mixed with 
them, and that henceforth I might not consider myself as 
a distinct or separate being. In this state I remained 
several hours. I then heard a soft, melodious voice, more 
pure and harmonious than any I had heard with my ear 
before ; I believe it was the voice of an angel, who spake to 
the other angels: the words were — "John Woolman is 
dead." I mm n remembered that I was once John Wool- 
man, and being assured that I was alive in the body, I 
greatly wondered what that heavenly voice could mean. 
I believed beyond doubt that it was the voice of an holy 
angel, but as yet it was a mystery to me. 

I was carried in spirit to the mines, where poor op- 
pressed people were digging rich treasures for those 
called Christians, and heard them blaspheme the name 
of Christ; at which I was grieved; for his name to me 
was precious. I was then informed that these heathens 
were told that those who oppressed them were follow- 
ers of Christ ; and they said among themselves, " If Christ 
directed them to use us in this sort, then Christ is a 
cruel tvrant." — John Woolman, 1772. 



Eighth Month 13.] 



DAILY READINGS. 225 



" For all these things do the nations of the world seek after ; and your Father 
knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the Kingdom 
of God ; and all these things shall be added unto you." — Luke xii. 30, 31. 

I HAVE for years felt strong desires to be wholly 
redeemed from the improper pursuit of worldly en- 
'joyments, and even from all desires of wealth, beyond 
what my heavenly Father knoweth I have need of, as 
also from all use of things, the procuring of which would 
require more of my time than would be consistent with 
my religious duty, or wmich would cause me, or any one 
under me, to labor beyond the true medium, or beyond 
the degree which best promotes health of body and tran- 
quility of mind. I have mourned to see the true standard 
so lamentably departed from, in these respects, among all 
societies of professing Christians. Multitudes are mis- 
erably toiling and drudging, from day to day, and from 
year to year, scarcely allowing themselves time to as- 
semble for divine worship, nor scarcely time to rest and 
refresh their bodies. And many, when they do get to 
their religious meetings, are too often so exhausted by 
immoderate fatigue, that they are fitter for sleep than 
divine worship. — Job Scott. 

The rich, even those who are piously disposed, are generally too much en- 
<r*ged in their own concerns to be much relied on for counsellors.— George 

DlLLWYN. 

" For whosoever will save his life shall lose it ; but whosoever shall lose his 
life for my sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it 
profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul ? Or what 
shall a man give in exchange for his soul ?— Mark viii. 35, 36, 37. 



226 DAILY READINGS. [Eighth Month 14 

M Then if any man shall say unto you, ' Lo, here is Christ, or lo, there ; ' be- 
lieve it not."— Matt. xxiv. 23. 

THE honest and sincere-hearted amongst you, I sa- 
lute in gospel love ; and as I believe there is a small 
remnant who are desirous to witness the peace of God in 
your hearts, and a sure hope of receiving the answer of 
well done, at the conclusion of your time in this world, 
mind the instructions of the Spirit of Christ Jesus in your 
own hearts, for it is this which leads into all truth ; it 
shows unto man of what sort the thoughts of his heart 
are, and it witnesseth against every bad word and action. 
The Spirit of Truth hath taught the children of God in 
all ages ; it was by this spirit that our worthy elders were 
led from the lo-heres and lo-theres, which are in the world, 
and established on the true foundation. The revelation 
or teaching of the Spirit of God in their own hearts up- 
held them under sore afflictions and outward sufferings 
from the powers of the earth ; and by this they were 
preserved in the unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace. 
Dear Friends, beware of letting out your minds after 
the doctrines and teachings of men, who have not the 
Word of life committed to them to preach in the love 
and power of truth. For if ye do, ye will be unstable 
and wavering, and a wavering man is as a wave of the 
sea, tossed to and fro with every contrary wind of doc- 
trine. Neither look you too much to the example one 
of another, but wait to receive in yourselves a sense of 
what ye ought to do and to join with, and what ye ought 
to be separated from. — John Churchman. 



Eighth Month 15.] 



DAILY HEADINGS. 227 



" For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness ; "but into 
ns which are saved It is the power of God."— 1st Corinthians i. 18. 

THE Gospel, in the days of the first messengers, was 
termed by the worldly-wise and prudent, foolish- 
ness. An eminent publisher of it was told too much learn- 
ing had made him mad ; their lives indeed were counted 
as madness, because the life they then lived was in Christ 
Jesus, whilst the lives of those who condemned them were 
after the flesh, fulfilling the lusts thereof. At the same 
time I fear there are many who make a profession with me 
of those ;hings, who are not able to comprehend them, for 
we have not anything that is good but what is given to us 
of God ; and if we are not concerned to ask wisdom from 
Him, we shall not receive it. Some among us do ask, but 
they ask amiss, asking that from the form which it can- 
not give. To these states, I shall not use any reasoning 
to strive to convince them of their error, having the experi- 
ence in myself, how hard, nay, I may say, how impossible 
it would have been to have convinced me of these truths 
before, till Divine Mercy was extended to me. * * * 
But I write these things for the wayfaring men and 
women who may be traveling Zionward, and can read me 
in their own experience, to encourage them to hold on 
their way and let no discouragements they may meet with 
in their wilderness journey cause them to look back to 
Egypt ; for it is only those who hold out to the end that 
will be saved. — John Conron, Dublin, Ireland, 1772. 

As our faith, so our devotion should be lively. 



228 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 16* 



M I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto 
me by the effectual working of his power. 1 '— Eph. iii. 8. 

I CONCEIVE that the Christian Church at large is 
much indebted to George Fox and his brethren, for 
the bold, clear, and steadfast manner in which they main- 
tain the doctrines of universal and saving Light. Hap- 
pily, they are held by a large and very increasing propor- 
tion of Christian believers. The late William Wilber- 
force, so well known as an evangelical member of the 
church of England, emphatically expressed to me, on two 
occasions, his full conviction that an effective offer of 
salvation is made to every man born into the world; and 
how can such an offer be made, except by a visitation of 
the Holy Spirit ? Little as I am inclined to cast any 
blame upon others, who are evidently accepted and as- 
sisted by their own Master, I conceive it to be a duty, 
plainly laid upon the Society of Friends, to hold up a 
still higher and purer standard respecting the Christian 
ministry. It is a principle generally understood and 
admitted by the members of that Society, that the faculty 
of the Christian ministry is a gift of the Spirit, which 
cannot be rightly exercised otherwise then under the 
direct and immediate influence of that Spirit. Friends are 
not, therefore, satisfied with any general impression, that 
it is their duty to preach the Gospel ; nor do they venture, 
under such impression, either to employ their own intel- 
lectual exertions as a preparation for the service, or to 
select their own time for performing it. — J. J. Gurney. 



Eighth Month 17.] 



DAILY READINGS. 229 



14 The 8tep3 of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his 
way."— Psalm xxxvi. 23. 

IN hearing William Savery preach, he seemed to me 
to overflow with true religion, and to be humble, 
and yet to be a man of great abilities ; and having been 
gay and disbelieving only a few years ago, makes him bet- 
ter acquainted with the heart of one in the same situation. 
If I were to grow like him, a preacher, I should be able to 
preach to the gay and unbelieving better than to any 
others, for I should feel more sympathy for them, and 
know their hearts better. 

To-day I have felt all my old irreligious feelings. My ob- 
ject shall be to search, try to do right, and if I am mis- 
taken, it is not my fault ; but the state I am now in makes 
it difficult to act. What little religion I have felt has 
been owing to my giving way quietly and humbly to my 
feelings ; but the more I reason upon it, the more I get 
into a labyrinth of uncertainty, and my mind is so much in- 
clined to both scepticism and enthusiasm, that if I argue 
and doubt, I shall be a total sceptic ; if, on the contrary, I 
give way to my feelings, and as it were, wait for religion, 
I may be led away. But I hope that will not be the case ; 
at all events, religion, true and uncorrupted, is all that com- 
forts the greatest ; it is the first stimulus to virtue ; it is a 
support under every affliction. I am sure it is better to 
be so in an enthusiastic degree, than not to be so at all, 
for it is a delightful enthusiasm. — Elisabeth Gurney^ 
1798. 

Prefer substance to shadows. 



230 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 18. 



M For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou, then, 
not be afraid of the power ? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have 
praise of the same." — Rom. xiii. 3. 

11 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the law- 
less, and disobedient.'"— 1 Tim. i. 9. 

/^\ OVERNORS, rulers, and magistrates, we own 
vZT and do respect in the Lord ; such as be a terror 
to all evil in their government, and that fear God, and 
hate covetousness, and delight in equality, in justice, and 
true judgment, who gave diligent heed to try the cause of 
the poor, and will judge justly, without respect of men, 
who justify the good, and give praise to the well-doer. 
Such government and governors we reverence, where 
sin and iniquity are kept under, drunkenness, swearing, 
murder, quarreling, and all the ways and works of 
the flesh are terrified, and a well-doer praised and justified. 
The government of men reaches to the witness of God in 
every man, and that answers to the justice and righteous- 
ness of all such governors and government, and these 
witness that they are of God. The government and laws 
which we cannot obey nor fulfil for conscience sake, we 
choose rather to suffer for disobedience to them, than to 
transgress the righteous law of God, written in our hearts, 
by obeying them. — Edioard Burroughs London, 1667. 



The words of our Saviour, " If my Kingdom were of this world, then would 
my servants fight," must signify * * * As my Kingdom is not of this world 
therefore my servants do not fight.— George Dillwyn. 



JEighth Month 19.] 



DAILY READINGS. 231 



"Honor thy father and thy mother : that thy days may be long in the land 
which the Lord thy God giveth thee."— Exod. xx. 12. 

AH, my mother, how unworthy of thy tender solici- 
tude, thy unwearied attention, thy fond affections, 
is the daughter thou too tenderly cherished ! Yet 
heaven and earth's great Ruler knows the secret prayer 
of my heart is to become every day more worthy of His 
divine protection, and of my mother's love. * * * 

Do, my precious mother, take every care of thy in- 
valuable health, and guard thy peace of mind from un- 
necessary interruption. Remember, my parent, it is to 
thee we look for support through the most important 
periods of life. The happiest existence of thy children is 
interwoven with thy being. If they see thee still walk- 
ing in the path of duty, religiously observing the secret 
instructions of the Spirit of Truth, unreservedly resigned 
to the will of Him who is perfect in wisdom, and submit- 
ting all things to his government, thy children may yet 
become (however unlikely it may be judged) instruments 
of good in the hands of their God. 

While I remember how my past life has been employed, 
how anxiously do I wish to be restored to an opportunity 
of redeeming the time squandered in frivolous pursuits, 
and yet I am capable of neglecting to improve the pres- 
ent moment, the present strong impression that time is 
rapidly passing, eternity quickly approaching, and that 
my own claim to eternal life will soon be decided. — Char- 
lotte Dudley, 1812. 



232 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 20. 



" The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of onr Lord, and of 
his Christ ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.'' 1 — Rev. xi. 15. 

THE glorified Head of the universal church, the Re- 
deemer and Saviour of men, who dwelt for a time 
on earth, and offered himself on the cross as a sacrifice 
for the sins of the world, condescends to visit the natur- 
ally dark hearts of all men by the influences of his Holy 
Grace, Light, or Spirit, in greater or less degrees, reprov- 
ing them for evil, inciting them to good, enlightening 
the conscience ; and, as yielded to, subduing and purify- 
ing the will and affections, producing the work of regen- 
eration, calling them to become his subjects, qualifying 
them for service in his church, and preparing them for 
heaven ; all this being effected, in proportion as man, 
whatever may be the variety of his external circumstan- 
ces, submits to this holy influence. * * * 

We are assured that " the kingdom of God is within," 
or of a spiritual character; also that "it is righteousness, 
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost," essentially holy and 
peaceful in its character. If we would know its estab- 
lishment, and be the sharers in its heavenly benefits, it 
must be set up in our hearts, and rule there, diffusing 
these benign principles over our inmost thoughts, motives, 
and affections, as well as over our words and actions. If 
we'are ruled by the Spirit of Christ, we shall bring forth 
its fruits — humility, purity, justice, meekness, long-suffer- 
ing, peace, temperance, faith, hope and charity. These 
will mark our conduct, as that of the subjects of Christ's 
kingdom. — John Allen, England, 1853. 



Eighth Month 21.] DAILY READINGS. 233 

" Bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth. "— 
Isa. xliii. 6. 

BEFORE I was twelve years of age, I often solicited 
my mother for liberty to go with some of the 
neighbor's children, who were Friends, to their meetings, 
with which she often complied, saying that I was but a 
child, and not capable of determining in matters of a reli- 
gious nature, which, indeed, was really so ; yet I have 
abundant reason to believe that something of a Divine 
nature was then secretly at work in my tender mind, 
though I know not by what name to call it, which, had 
I given way to it, would have preserved me, though but 
a child, from many things into which I afterwards fell, 
to the wounding of my poor soul, and making hard 
work in the cleansing, purifying day, that afterwards 
powerfully overtook me, and from which I could by no 
means escape. * * Blessed be the God of my life, who thus 
gradually and secretly drew my mind towards this peo- 
ple, not only to go to meeting, but I loved the sight of 
an honest Friend. Yet I was at times under the influ- 
ence of another spirit ; for, though I loved this people, 
and very early saw a beautiful order and becoming de- 
portment in their meetings, I could not give up my day? 
to lead such a life of self-denial as the Divine Instructor 
in my own breast at times directed me to — but I loved 
vanity and folly, and to keep unprofitable company, by 
which I was led into many evils, and quenched the blessed 
spirit from time to time. — Rebecca Jones, Philadelphia, 
1757. 



234 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 



"And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, 
and thy house. 11 — Acts xvi. 31. 

MY heart was often made uneasy for the multitude 
of my transgressions, so that I often promised 
to amend, for I greatly feared to die. But alats ! though 
I made covenant, I soon forgot it and returned to the 
same things for which I had been reproved, and thus 
added sin to rebellion for some time. * * * 

In the year 1754, and in the 16th year of my age, 
there came from old England, on a religious visit to the 
churches of Christ in America, Catherine Peyton, from 
Ireland. I heard divers testimonies which she bore, 
with which I was much pleased ; but like many others, 
I only heard, and sought not to learn the way to salva- 
tion in sincerity. But for ever blessed and praised be 
the great Minister of ministers and Bishop of souls, who 
in His abundant compassion to a poor creature in the 
very road that leads to the chambers of death, was gra- 
ciously pleased through His handmaid to set my state 
and condition open before me, and who enabled her, in 
one of our first-day evening meetings, to speak so per- 
tinently to my situation, in showing the consequences 
of trifling with Divine conviction, and proclaiming God's 
love through Christ to all returning sinners, that I cried 
out in the bitterness of my heart : " Lord, what wilt Thou 
have me to do to be saved ? " And so effectually was 
my heart reached, that I was made willing to forsake 
everything to obtain peace, and inherit eternal salvation. 
— Rebecca Jones, Philadelphia, 1754. 



Eighth Month 23.] 



DAILY READINGS. 235 



44 And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed ? but where are the 
nine ? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stran- 
gers'—Luke xvii. 17, 18. 

OH, the many days of sorrow and nights of deep dis- 
tress that I passed through ; how frequently did 
I cry out, " Lord save me or I perish !" * * * 

But for ever magnified be the kindness and goodness of 
the Lord my God, the everlasting Father, he left me not 
here, though I was in the situation described by the 
prophet. I, greatly polluted, lay wallowing in the filthi 
ness of the flesh, without any succor from temporal con- 
nections, and a stranger to the Lord's family, "not 
washed at all, nor salted at all, but cast out as in an open 
field, void of any enclosure ; none eye pitied me, to do 
any of these things to me." When the sure Helper pass- 
ed by, He beheld me in my deplorable situation, cast His 
mantle of Divine love over me, and with a most power- 
ful voice said : Live ; yea, He said unto me, Live. 

I was again encouraged by the renewal of Divine fa- 
vor to enter into solemn covenant with the gracious Be- 
ing against whom I had so justly offended. My love to 
this instrument in the Lord's hand (Catherine Peyton,) 
was very great, and on a certain time, being reduced 
very low in my mind, under the consideration of my 
many and deep transgressions, I took up my pen and 
wrote to her, though I dared not sign my name. I watch- 
ed an opportunity and slipped it into her hand, just as 
she was going into meeting, and in two days received an 
answer. — Rebecca Jones, Philadelphia, 1755. 



236 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 24. 



" Yet the Lord will command hip loving kindness in the day time, and in 
the ni^ht his son:* shall be with me, and my prayer shall be unto the God of my 
life."— Psalm xlii. 8. 

DEAR Child, Rebecca Jones : I have carefully read 
thy letter, and from the tenderness of spirit 
which I feel towards thee, conceive much hope that thou 
wilt do well if thou keep to the power which has visited 
thee ; which, as it has already appeared as a light to 
convince thee of sin, will, if thou will suffer it, destroy it 
in thy heart ; which, dispensation being already begun, 
is the reason of that anguish of spirit which thou feelest, 
which will lessen gradually as thou art assisted to over- 
come. 

And be not too much discouraged, neither at what thou 
hast committed against the Lord, nor at what thou may- 
est have to suffer for Him ; for though thy sins may have 
been as scarlet, He is able and willing to make thy heart 
as snow, upon thy sincere repentance and humble walk- 
ing in His fear, and also to give thee strength to do what- 
soever He commands thee. If thou art willing and obedi- 
ent for the future, thou shalt eat the good of the land in 
the Lord's time ; and, as thou hast already been instructed 
that " thou shalt only receive consolation as thou art fit," 
wait patiently, and let the administration of condemna- 
tion be perfect — so shall the administration of light and 
peace be more clear and strong: which will assuredly 
come upon thee if thou abidest faithful. — Catherine Pay- 
ton, 1775. 



Eighth Month 25.] 



DAILY READINGS. 237 



u Hear now, O house of Israel ; Is not my way equal ? are not your ways un- 
equal.'"— Ezek. xviii. 25. , 

IT is not in my mind to particularize everything that 
fell to my lot, not only from some in near connec- 
tion with me, but also from my former acquaintance, to 
whom I now seemed estranged ; and many were their 
bitter invectives and hard speeches liberally thrown out 
against me. 

Yet thus far I may say of a truth, greater was that 
power which visited me, and was in a degree in me, than 
these mine enemies that were in and of the world. To 
the praise of my gracious Benefactor be it spoken, the 
more I suffered in thus turning my back on all those 
things which in times past I so greatly delighted in, the 
more my strength increased, and my resolutions were con- 
firmed to serve the Lord the little time that remained to 
me in this life, which I then thought would not be long. 

In the spring, 1756, my aforesaid friend C. Peyton re- 
turned to Europe. Soon after her departure I found an 
indifference towards meetings gradually coming on, and 
the enemy of my soul's happiness sorely buffeted me. 
He suggested to me that my repentance was vain, my 
tears were insincere, and that I was most certainly under 
a great delusion. And the Lord, my only Helper in 
this night of probation, saw meet in His wisdom to hide 
His face from me. But when in close combat with the 
prince of the power of the air, the Lord's arm brought 
salvation, and His right arm got the victory. — Rebecca 
Jones, 1756. 



238 DAILY READINGS. [Eighth Month 26 

" Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness ; for they shalJ 
be filled."— Matt. v. 6. 

LET it be remembered, that as our mortal bodies 
cannot enjoy health long, without a natural appe- 
tite to meat and drink, so our souls cannot live unto holi- 
ness without a spiritual hunger and an inward thirst after 
the righteousness which Christ puts upon his saints ; not by 
imputation, but actually also. Such souls he will fill, as 
Mary witnesseth and bore her testimony to the truth 
thereof, viz : " He hath filled the hungry with good things, 
and the rich he hath sent empty away." When we are 
emptied of sin and self, there is room for the Almighty 
to pour his spirit into us. If we would fill anything, it 
must first be emptied ; so must we be empty, if we hun- 
ger and thirst after righteousness ; then shall we truly 
pray to our heavenly Father for divine food, and it will 
be our meat and drink to do his will ; and we shall delight 
to feed upon his word ; as Christ says, " Man shall not 
live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth 
out of the mouth of God." This is holy food for the 
soul, which nourishes and keeps it alive unto God; with- 
out this it is dead, notwithstanding it may have the name 
of a living soul. As this hunger and thirst, or desire, 
must be spiritual, so must the food be also ; " It being the 
spirit that quickens " and gives life ; wherefore let a 
spiritual hunger and thirst after God and his righteous- 
ness be in the soul. — Thomas Chalkly. 

We little need, and that not long 



Eighth Month 27.] 



DAILY READINGS. 239 



tk God is love ; and lie that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in 
him."— 1 John iv. 16. 

AS love is the foundation of all our happiness, so it 
ought to be the predominant motive of all our ac- 
tions. We must convince children that our requisitions 
to do or to leave undone, are the effects of love, and that 
obedience to our commands will contribute to their own 
comfort and enjoyment. 

For similar reasons, it is of the utmost importance that 
children be early and properly informed respecting the 
attributes of the Supreme Being. He must not be re- 
presented to them as a partial, tyrannical sovereign ; but 
as a kind, merciful, and affectionate parent, providing 
for our necessities, and acting for the benefit and ever- 
lasting happiness of his children, and that His love and 
His care are universal, as is shown by the general tenor 
of the Holy Scriptures. 

I knew one thus trained, who entered upon the world 
at the age of sixteen, surrounded by companions who 
had caught the contagion of skepticism. He examined 
their arguments and detected their futility, and rejected 
them. In prosperity and adversity, in public and in pri- 
vate life, the sentiments of religion retained their influ- 
ence on his heart. 

When sinking by painful steps into an early grave, 
" with what gratitude, with what delightful gratitude, 
do I look back to my infancy and to the judicious con- 
duct of my mother, who made religion appear to me in 
colors so engaging and so congenial." — A. Mott. 



240 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 28. 



"And thou 8halt speak and be no more dumb; and thou shalt be a sign 
unto them ; and they shall know that I am the Lord.' 1 — Ezek. xxiv. 27. 

CONSIDER where are ye who are called Christians, 
among whom it is become a wonder, a stone of 
stumbling, or matter of mockery, or a ground of reproach, 
for one, in the name of the Lord, to invite you to repent- 
ance in sackcloth and ashes. Would not the heathen 
condemn you in this thing ? and will not Nineveh stand 
up in judgment against you ? How is it that ye that are 
called Christians can willingly give room to every idle 
mountebank, and can suffer your minds to be drawn out 
to hold these sinful divertisements, which indeed direct 
the mind from serious sense of God's fears ? The peo- 
ple can be gathered there, and neither the magistrates 
complain of tumult, nor yet preachers and professors cry 
out against it as delusion or madness. O, my friends, 
consider : can there be any more strongly deluded, than 
for people daily to acknowledge and confess they are sin- 
ful and sinning in words, and to startle at that which 
did so lively represent unto them what they own to be 
their own state and condition ? I shall add that which upon 
this occasion I declared unto you, I was for a sign from 
the Lord unto you. I desire ye may not be among those 
that wander and perish, but rather repent and be saved. 
And this is my testimony unto you, whether ye will hear 
or forbear. I have peace with my God in what I have 
done, and am satisfied that his requirings I have answered 
in this thing. — Robert Barclay, 



Eighth Month 29.] 



DAILY READINGS. 241 



" He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man : 
that he may bring forth food out of the earth."— Psalm civ. 14. 

rT~lHE return of spring does indeed afford much food 
JL for the contemplative mind, both of youth and 
age, though the thoughts of those very differently cir- 
cumstanced classes may take an almost opposite direc- 
tion. The former, exhilarated by the language of animal 
spirit and the universal smile of nature, look forward 
with sanguine, often too sanguine, expectations to the 
future ; whilst those on whom these prospects have not 
only been opened but closed, and who have nearly seen 
the end of earthly perfection, are apt to look behind 
them. 

Thus to me, and such as me, it is not an unpleasing 
though somewhat pensive employment, to number the 
lovely springs that have passed over our heads, and to 
turn over the chequered page of our own history, and that 
of the times in which we have lived, as I can readily do, 
for more than half a century. 

In tracing these records, although I find some blots, 
some blunders, and here and there a very zigzag and 
awkward line, yet I really have no desire to try the ground 
over again, even were I to begin with the advantages which 
the first experiment might be supposed to afford. For I 
find former experience, though of some value, is insuffi- 
cient for preservation ; it cannot supercede watchfulness, 
nor does it preclude warfare. — Jonathan Hutchinson, 
1818. 



242 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eighth Month 30. 



" Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way 
which we go shall be prosperous. 11 — Judges xviii. 5. 

WITH respect to the present depending affair, do 
not be too hasty or precipitate — weigh it and 
ever remember, that he that believes makes not haste : 
there are many things to be looked at — thy place, thy 
friend's place. Things with a fair face of prospect may be 
shaded with a gloom ; sweet things in enjoyment may 
change to bitter. I would not cast anything before thee, 
to embarrass or overwhelm, but simply speak my feelings. 
Relinquishing for the cause, in our affections, enriches of- 
ten, in spiritual and temporal sense, and it is often tenfold 
restored. It was said in the recapitulation of the many 
blessings dispensed to David, after showing him what he 
was : " and if this had not been enough, I would have 
done much more." This was done when he was taken 
off his watch, and suffered his affections to sport with a 
beauteous object, which, in the end, made him flee before 
his enemy. This thou may not think similar to thy pres- 
ent state, yet it points to obedience. * * * 

Let this affair, therefore, be hewn and squared in the 
mount, before it is adopted ; and let there be no sound 
of an artificial tool in bringing it about, that the substi- 
tuting a member from one part of the body to another 
may be the Lord's work — that you may be conducted 
in wisdom in bringing it forward or letting it drop in 
which your acceptance will stand, your faith be con- 
firmed, and your righteousness be proved, as was faith- 
ful Abraham's. — Samuel JVeale, Dublin, Ireland, 1770. 



Eighth Month 31.] 



DAILY READINGS. 243 



" And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he 
ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray."— Luke xi. 1. 

OTHOU inexhaustible source and fountain of all 
good, keep me, I pray Thee, in a state of daily 
watchfulness, so that I may be enabled to follow Thee in 
the regeneration ; for without this, dearest Lord, I am made 
sensible that all pretensions to discipleship will do noth- 
ing for me in the day of awful decision. Again hum- 
bled under a sense of my entire inability even to think 
a good thought unaided by Thee, thou fountain of all good, 
be pleased, in thy matchless mercy, to keep me watch- 
ful, that I enter not into temptation. On another occa- 
sion : Favored this evening with solemn quiet, in which 
the spirit of supplication was, I think, livingiy felt, with 
thanksgiving for past and present favors; earnestly 
craving that every succeeding day of my life may be 
spent in watchfulness, and fear of offending my blessed 
Saviour and intercessor, in thought, word or deed. 
Shortly before her decease : May I be strengthened dili- 
gently to labor, pressing forward toward the mark for 
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus 
our Lord, that at the end of the race I may be permit- 
ted to enter his kingdom, where the wicked cease from 
troubling, and the weary are at rest. * * * 

I have many outward blessings ; much to love and en- 
joy ; but my concern is so to live and watch, that when 
summoned to leave them I may render up my account 
with joy, and not with grief. — Jane Bettle, Philadelphia, 
1840. 



24.4 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 1. 



" But what saith it ? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy 
heart : that is the word of faith which we preach. 11 — Rom. vii. 8. 

SEEKEST thou, like Pilate, after Truth ? Look thou 
within. The holy principle is there, that in whose 
light the pure hearts of all time have rejoiced. It is tliv 
great light of ages, of which Pythagoras speaks — " the 
good spirit " of Socrates ; the " divine mind " of Anaxa- 
goras ; the "perfect principle" of Plato; the "infallible 
and immortal law, and divine power of reason" of Plato. 
It is the " unbegotten principle and source of all light " 
whereof Timeus testifieth ; the interior guide of the soul 
and everlasting foundation of virtue, spoken of by Plu- 
tarch. Yea, it was the hope and guide of the virtuous 
Gentiles, who, doing by nature the things contained in 
the law, became a law unto themselves. Look to thy- 
self. Turn thine eye inward. Heed not the opinion of 
the world. Lean not upon the broken reed of thy phi- 
losophy, verbal orthodoxy, thy skill in tongues, thy knowl- 
edge of the Fathers. Remember that truth was seen by 
the humble fishermen of Galilee, and overlooked by the 
High Priest of the temple, by the Rabbi and the Phari- 
see. Thou canst not hope to reach it by the metaphy- 
sics of fathers, councils, schoolmen, and universities. It 
lies not in the high places of human learning ; it is in 
the silent sanctuary of thine own heart ; for He who gave 
thee an immortal spirit, hath filled it with a portion of 
that truth which is the image of His own unapproacha- 
ble light. The voice of that truth is within thee ; heed 
thou its whisper. — William JPenn. 



Ninth Month 2.] 



DAILY HEADINGS. 245 



" I am the Lord ; that is my name ; and my glory will I not give to another, 
neither my praise to graven images. 1 '— Isa. xlii. 8. 

WE may have natural or acquired abilities, we may 
have spiritual gifts and graces conferred upon 
us, useful in their kinds and in their places ; but if they 
tend to exalt the creaturely, the fleshly part — if we look 
more at the splendor of the gift, than at the Giver — if we 
endeavor to deck ourselves with the Lord's jewels, and to 
be conspicuous in the eyes of others, seeking the praise 
of men more than of God, we shall suffer great loss : the 
gift may for a while be continued, for the sake of the peo- 
ple ; but it will decrease in beauty and lustre, and perhaps 
be wholly taken away, while the capricious applause of 
unstable men will be changed into contempt. On the 
contrary, not seeking honor one of another, but the honor 
which cometh from God only ; when a very little matter 
comes before us to deliver, not looking at the smallness 
of the morsel, but whether the Divine blessing be upon it, 
let us not be ashamed to hand the little even to the mul- 
titude ; sent home by the power of truth to the conscience, 
it may be altogether sufficient. It is remarkable how the 
wisest of men, who spoke three thousand proverbs, ex- 
presses himself concerning a single word — ' A word fitly 
spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver ; ' and 
again, ' A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth ; ' and, 
' A word spoken in due season, how good is it ! ' * * * 
The people are too outward ; they have, many of them, 
forsaken the Fountain of living waters. — Richard Shackle- 
ton, Ballitore, Ireland, 1780. 



246 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 3. 



" I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound : everywhere and 
in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound 
and to suffer need." — Philippians iv. 12. 

I HAVE known the ease of abundance of riches, and 
the sorrow and perplexity of comparative depriva- 
tion ; I have known to the full, I think, the enjoyment of 
domestic life ; even what might be called the fulness of 
blessing, and also some of its most sorrowful and most 
painful reverses. I have known the abounding of the 
unspeakable and soul-satisfying joy of the Lord ; and I 
have been brought into states when the depths had well 
nigh swallowed me up. • I have known great exaltation 
amongst my fellow-mortals, also deep humiliation ; I have 
known the sorrow of some most tenderly beloved being 
taken from me by death ; and others given me, hitherto 
more given than taken. What is the result of all this 
experience? It is, even that the Lord is gracious and 
very merciful, that His compassions fail not, but are 
renewed every morning ; and may I not say that His good- 
ness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life ? 
Above all I pray that whatever dispensations I may yet 
pass through, nothing may separate me from His love, or 
hinder me from His service, but that I may be increas- 
ingly and entirely devoted to Him in heart, mind, and 
spirit ; through the help of my most dear and blessed 
Redeemer. — Elizabeth Fry, 1822. 

This life is a passage, not a port. 



Ninth Month 4.] 



DAILY READINGS. 247 



"And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I 
may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them. 
Now the house was full of men and women." — Judges xvi. 26, 27. 

<• ^ ~1~) LESS the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within 
1 J me, bless his holy name." Notwithstanding 
my many seasons of poverty and inward distress, the 
foregoing language is sometimes put into my heart on my 
return from our meetings, which are, in the bathing season, 
almost always crowded with strangers. Their manner of 
coming in and going out during the time of worship is 
exceedingly disturbing, and yet I cannot but admire the 
stillness which prevails when anything is delivered. The 
help which I at times experience in these trying seasons is 
wonderful in my eyes. When I am concerned to stand 
up in His dread and fear, what have I else to fear ? This 
fear would always cast out the fear of man, which ever 
brings death ; and yet so weak am I, that after all these 
precious helps and comforting times, I tremble when the 
meeting-day comes again, lest I should fail in doing the 
Lord's will. Such is my fear before I can rise to my feet 
in meetings, that I say with Samson, be with me this once 
more that I may bear testimony to thy name ; then, if it 
be thy will, let me die for thee, and I will not think it too 
much to suffer. O that He would be pleased to enlarge 
his gift in my heart, and be unto me mouth and wisdom, 
and give me tongue and utterance to declare his name 
unto the nations. — John Yeardley, aged 37. 

When Carmel's Mount shall wither, and Sharon's rose shall fade, I trust I 
may find a resting-place in the Redeemer's Kingdom.— Daniel Wheeleb. 



248 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 5. 



" And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees : therefore every tree 
which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."— 
Matthew iii. 10. 

I WAS brought to resignation to endure the world's 
reproaches, or anything it might be suffered to in- 
flict, if the Lord would but again lift up the light of his 
countenance upon me. The following First-day I went 
to meeting, though it rained hard, and I had about three 
miles to walk. * * * 

I continued diligently to attend meetings, which were 
held in silence. Very few persons assembled there, and I 
had no communication with them at all for some time. 
I have frequently considered since, that it was a favor 
that my lot was cast in a place where I had no outward 
dependence to lean upon. In religious meetings, as well 
as out of them, my single concern was to feel after the 
influences of the Holy Spirit in my own heart. As my 
acquaintance with these increased, so did my exercises. 
My heart was fitly compared to the ground covered with 
thorns and briars, and even sturdy oaks and tall cedars. 
O how many things had to be removed out of the way, 
to give room for the heavenly seed to grow ! The ax 
of God's power was lifted up against the root of the cor- 
rupt tree. As wave follows wave, so did my exercises. 
Yet I must testify of the Lord's unspeakable love ex- 
tended toward me : it was great indeed. The sense of 
it was so much with me, that I do not know whether 
tears of joy and gratitude have not flowed as plentifully 
as those of grief, which latter have not been few. — 
Stephen Grellet, aged 22. 



Ninth Month 6.] 



DAILY HEADINGS. 249 



" There are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. There are differences 
of administrations, but the same Lord. There are diversities of operations, 
but it is the same God that worketh all in all." — 1 Cor. xii. 4, 5, 6. 

EVERY gift of God is from the one and self-same 
spirit of truth that is come by Jesus Christ ; for 
which reason, though we may seem to differ in our gifts 
one from another, yet the design and end is the same, 
and the same spirit as in one, so in all, assisting to that 
end, which is to turn people from darkness to light, and 
from the power of Satan to God, that they may be edi- 
fied in the true gospel, receiving a remission of their sins, 
and an assurance of inheritance among them that are 
sanctified through the only begotten Son of God. 

Now there must be some time to gain experience and 
understanding, before any one can come to a settlement 
and true and perfect knowledge of his own gift ; and for 
want of a right settlement and true knowledge of this 
gift, and keeping to it, and in it, is the cause of many of 
the mistakes that are committed in the exercise of it. 

The Scriptures and ministry, from the openings of the 
Spirit, seemed so close and plain to my understanding, 
that I wondered anybody remained unconvinced, suppos- 
ing them to see the truths of the Gospel in the same 
light that I did. That saying of the Apostle, wherein he 
asserts his knowledge of the Son of God being come, to 
be by " receiving an understanding from him," was 
clearly discovered to me, so that I plainly saw a distinc- 
tion between the children of light and the children of 
this world. — Samuel Bownas. 



250 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 7. 



" I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to 
see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. 1 ' — 
Hab. IL 1. 

THE farther I advance in my course along this valley 
of mist and obscurity, the more evidently am I 
permitted to discover — the more frequently am I con- 
strained to admire the infinite condescension of the 
Lord. O how sincerely can I exclaim with the Psalm- 
ist, " What is man, that thou art mindful of him, or 
the son of man, that thou visitest him." Fervent indeed 
have been my desires, and, still more and more so, as the 
visitations of condescending mercy have been renew- 
edly extended — that my whole heart may be prepared 
for the reception and further manifestations of this great 
and gracious Guest. O may there be in my inmost 
thoughts and imaginations, as well as over my words 
and outward demeanor, such a constant watchfulness, 
as may evidence a holy awe and fear of giving Him of- 
fense, or occasioning a separation between Him and my 
soul. 

O thou who seest in secret, and to whom my most se- 
cret petitions are thoroughly known, and known to ascend 
even daily and hourly, — be pleased, in thy exceeding 
great compassion and wonted mercy, to hand me a lit- 
tle help* Grant that I may be made willing to follow 
thee whithersoever thou leadest, and to become whatso- 
ever thou wouldest have me to be. — John Barclay, 1816. 

Religion regulates the will and affections. 



Ninth Months.] 



DAILY READINGS. 251 



" For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the num- 
ber of the days, three hundred and ninety days ; so shall thou bear the iniquity 
01 the house of Israel. And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again upon 
thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days ; 
I have appointed thee each day for a year. 1 '— Ezek. iv. 5, 6. 

I HAVE seen the mystery of the prophet laying three 
days and three nights in the belly of the fish. * * 
Our Saviour's sufferings for mankind, and afterwards de- 
scending into the bowels of the earth, prefigured that 
his followers must, after his pattern, descend into spiritual 
baptism ; that they may rise again, freed from the dregs 
of nature and from the corruptions of the creaturely pas- 
sions, before they can be qualified to see and suitably to 
administer to the states of others. I have likewise seen 
the mystery of Ezekiel's sufferings, and bearing the sins 
of the house of Israel for the space of three hundred and 
ninety days, which being accomplished, he was com- 
manded to turn on the other side, and to bear the sins of 
Judah forty days, for the corruptions of that princely 
tribe, who should have been as way-marks to others. My 
state has been for several years past, my deep baptisms 
and painful sittings in our meetings, like bearing the rod 
of the wicked ; in which dispensation I have been some- 
times ready to conclude with Elijah, that the altars were 
thrown down and the Lord's prophets slain, and I, a mean 
worthless servant, left alone, and that my life was sought 
also. I have now seen the use of those dispensations to 
me, with the use of my late sickness, whereby I am re- 
duced to great weakness of body ; that I might be as a 
sign to this generation — John Churchman. 



252 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 9. 



" Blessed are the merciful ; for they shall obtain mercy.' 1 — Matt. v. 7. 

IT is highly necessary for mortals to show mercy in 
all their words and actions one to another; and also 
to the creatures which God hath made for the nse of man. 
It is usually said, that a merciful man is merciful to his 
beast, which generally is true ; and if men are merciful 
to their beasts, how much more ought they to be merci- 
ful one to another. Where mercy is to be extended, it 
ought not to be done sparingly, since thereby, according 
to Christ's blessed doctrine, we are to obtain mercy. 
That servant who showed no mercy to his fellow, had no 
mercy showed to him from his Lord. It is also recorded, 
in the name of the Lord, " He hath shown unto thee, O 
man ! what is good, and what doth the Lord require of 
thee, but to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with 
thy God." By which it appears that we are not just in 
the sight of God, if we are cruel and unmerciful one to 
another. And we ought not only to be merciful, but to 
love it, which, if we are truly humble, we shall certainly 
do. Mercy will lessen, and not magnify weakness, fail- 
ings, or small and trivial things, one in another; and 
sometimes, as the case may require, larger things. Yet 
there is room for seasonable reproof and correction ; but 
mercy must be mixed with justice, else the correction 
may end in tyranny. We ought to be gentle to all men, 
which is a token of true gentility ; so to be truly merci- 
ful, is to be blessed, and to obtain mercy. — Thomas 
Chalhly. 



Ninth Month 10] 



DAILY READINGS. 253 



" For there will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call 
upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent." — Zeph. iii. 9. 

I AM not sure of the precise time, but I think it was 
very soon after my father's decease, and after a visit 
from my dearest sister Fry to our family and meeting, 
that as I lay in bed one night, light from above seemed 
to beam upon me and point in a very explicit manner, 
the duty of submitting to decided Quakerism, more par- 
ticularly to the humbling sacrifice of " plainness of speech, 
behavior, and apparel." 

The visitation was strong, but my will was stronger; 
I would not, I did not comply ; putting off what appeared 
to me almost unbearable to a more convenient season. 
I was then rather more than twenty-one years old, and the 
morning sacrifice was not bound to the horns of the Lord's 
altar with the integrity, boldness, and simplicity which 
the case required. Many persons might say that, taking 
into view the danger of imagination in such measures, 
I did well in resisting the call. After a space of nearly 
thirty years, full of a variety of experiences, I am not of 
this judgment ; for I believe that nothing is more profi- 
table than ready obedience of faith, and nothing more 
dangerous than the contrary. In my own case, the effect 
of irresolution was a painful state of spiritual weakness, 
and when at last I made the sacrifice it was comely done. 
r . J. Gurney, 1812. 

Kemove not a landmark. 



254 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 11. 



" I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. I will 
guide thee with mine eye.' 1 — Psalm xxxii. 8. 

ALAS ! I am still a prey to evil desires. But thanks 
be to God, his grace has visited me at seasons ; I 
do feel and know my own great weakness, and have been 
enabled at times to pray fervently to the Lord of our 
salvation for his gracious assistance. * * * He 
knoweth the frailty of our natures, and I am humbly led 
to hope that the spiritual light with which he has lately 
favored his sinful servant may be the beginning of his 
work on my heart, and may fortify me in time against the 
many temptations that surround me. O may a continual 
watchfulness and unshaken perseverance on my part bring 
down upon me the increase of his grace, and pre- 
pare me for the more constant influence of his Holy 
Spirit. I have not yet, by any means, perfected myself 
in the habit of digesting and reasoning upon what I read ; 
I am, however, improved in this respect, and am more 
than ever sensible of its importance. * * * Another 
consideration which has lately occupied much of my at- 
tention is this, whether or no I should give up the amuse- 
ment of field sports. ********** 
I have this day come to my determination, and have 
solemnly renounced them for ever. May the spirit of the 
Lord support me in this, as in all other good resolutions, 
for of myself I am nothing. — J. J. Gurney, aged 18, 
1817. 



Ninth Month 12.] 



DAILY READINGS. 255 



" And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not, I will lead them in 
paths that they have not known ; I will make darkness light before them, and 
crooked things straight.' 1 — Isaiah xlii. 16. 

I HAVE had a faint light spread over my mind, at least 
I believe it is something of that kind, owing to hav- 
ing been much with, and heard much excellence from one 
who appears to me a true Christian.* It has caused me 
to feel a little religion. My imagination has been worked 
upon, and I fear all I have felt will go off. I fear it now ; 
though at first I was frightened, that a plain Quaker 
should have made such an impression on me ; but how 
truly prejudiced in me to think, that because good came 
from a Quaker, I should be led away by enthusiasm and 
folly. But I hope now I am free from such fears. I wish 
the state of enthusiasm I am in may last, for to-day I 
have felt that there is a God; I have been devotional, 
and my mind has been led away from the follies that it 
is mostly wrapt up in. 

We had much serious conversation ; in short, what he 
said and what I felt was like a refreshing shower falling 
upon earth, that had been dried up for ages. It has not 
made me unhappy : I have felt ever since humble. I have 
longed for virtue. I hope to be truly virtuous ; to let 
sophistry fly from my mind ; not to be enthusiastic and 
foolish ; but only to be so far religious as will lead to 
virtue. There seems nothing so little understood as re- 
ligion. — Elisabeth Gurney, aged 18, 1798. 

* Wm. Savery. 



256 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 13. 



" But the Coinfocter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in 
my name, he shall teach yon all things, and bring all things to your remem- 
brance, whatsoever I have said unto you."— John xiv. 26. 

IN relation to the kingdom of Christ, man is to be 
viewed as a spiritual agent, a fallen but immortal 
being, placed for a time in this world, as in a scene ot 
probation, that through faith and righteousness while 
here, he may, by the aid of divine grace, be prepared for 
a glorious and an eternal state of existence hereafter. 

He must be regarded as subject to the authority and 
government of Christ, his paramount Lord, deriving all 
good from Him, who is ready, by his Holy Spirit, to en- 
lighten, reprove, animate, and direct him, showing him 
his duty, and requiring his obedience, pointing out from 
time to time the evil to b9 forsaken and the good to be 
embraced, and who will judge him accordingly at the 
last day. 

The instructions being spiritual, whether by the imme- 
diate perceptible influence of the Spirit of truth, or 
through the medium of the Holy Scriptures, the preach- 
ing of the gospel, or the course of Divine Providence — 
the considerations and motives are spiritual also, having 
reference chiefly to spiritual obedience and disobedience, 
to heavenly rewards and punishments. At the same time, 
it must be thankfully acknowledged, as an additional in- 
centive, that "Godliness is profitable unto all things, 
having promise of the life that now is, and of that which 
is to come." — John Allen^ England, 1853. 



Ninth Month 14.] 



DAILY HEADINGS. 257 



" Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness 
from the womb of the morning ; thou hast the dew of thy youth."— Psalm ex. 3. 

IF we only pretend to be actuated by that grand and 
noble principle of Truth — if we are only satisfying 
ourselves with a name to Christianity, and at the same 
time are destitute of the life and power of religion, we 
are mocking God, and deceiving our own poor souls. 
And such as these are, I fear, in a worse state than those 
who openly rebel and manifest that they are children of 
the world, and so enemies to the cross, because they are 
true to their king, though he be an enemy to the king- 
dom of love and light. 

It is religion only that beautifies, and where that is 
wanting (I don't mean a name only) the distinction be- 
tween a reprobate and a Christian is also wanting. * * 

I am often encouraged in remembering the apostle's 
declaration : " If there be first in you a willing mind, a 
man is accepted according to that which he hath, and 
not according to that which he hath not." So that to be 
entirely willing, or in other words unreservedly dedi- 
cated to the Lord's serving, is the sure prelude to his 
blessed favor and acceptance. This I am striving for, and 
sometimes think I feel pretty near it, when, may-be in the 
instant moment of struggling, the poor unmortified crea- 
ture shrinks, draws its neck from the yoke and its shoulder 
from the burden, and then it is all to do over again with 
renewed exercise and increasing labor. — Rebecca Jones, 
1779. 



258 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 15 



M And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments 
that remained twelve baskets fall."— Matt. xiv. 20. 

WHEN the Son of God had wrought that mighty 
miracle of feeding five thousand persons with 
only five loaves and two small fishes, he said to his disci- 
ples, " Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing 
be lost." 

This preface no sooner fell to my share, than this pas- 
sage was brought to my mind, and very aptly to the oc- 
casion. For our blessed Lord having also effectually 
gathered and fed his people, by his disciples, in this gene- 
ration, it is a duty we owe to God and ourselves, as well 
as to them, that " we gather up the remainder of their 
testimonies of love and service, that so nothing be lost." 
To God we owe it, for his unspeakable benefit ; to our- 
selves, for our example and instruction ; and to the mem- 
ories of such deceased brethren, as their just but fairer 
and more lasting monuments than those of engraven 
tables of marble, or statues of brass, as their works look 
beyond this world, so their praise will outlive it. There 
is an unfading glory in the labors of good men ; and 
though death is permitted to draw a dark shadow over 
their persons, they will live in the just reputation of their 
good works, the lively character of their undying pious 
minds. 

It cannot wither their fame, or obliterate their names ; 
on the contrary, death often silences envy and augments 
their deserved praise. — B. Barclay. 



Ninth Month 16.] 



DAILY READINGS. 259 



" Thou shalt offer it, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the 
Lord." — Numb, xxviii. 8. 

HOW much sweeter than roses or their incense, I 
have thought, is the piety evinced by some of 
our beloved young Friends, who are called upon in the 
morning of their day to prove their allegiance by their 
acquiescence in the will of their Creator and their Re- 
deemer. For early or late, living or dying, resignation 
appears to me the only altar on which an acceptable 
sacrifice of any kind can be offered, and submissively to 
place upon this altar the opening prospects of early life ; 
and even life itself seems to be one of the deepest and 
most precious experiences of a Christian. * * * 

For how instructive and edifying, as we have often 
heard and seen, the closing moments of some dear young 
persons are found to be, even w T here the appearance of 
piety has lain much concealed from outward observation, 
it has neverthelesss been elicited in an extraordinary 
degree on the approach of death. Then a faith not built 
upon systems, but on the Rock of Ages, has shone forth 
with effulgence and power; then a hope not deduced 
from the subtleties of the schools has to the humbling 
admiration of beholders discovered itself, as an an- 
chor to the departing soul, sure and steadfast, and the 
whole of the case has manifested, too clearly to be mis- 
taken, that not more by their expressions, though these 
are sometimes remarkable, than by the strength of mind 
with which they were enabled to pass through the valley 
and shadow of death. — Jonathan Hutchinson, Eng., 178?, 



260 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 17. 



" Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether 
it be right. "— Prov. xx. 11. 

DESIRES were raised in my childish heart, when I 
was not more than seven years old, that I might 
be better than some I saw who spoke bad words and 
behaved naughtily. I loved to attend religious meetings, 
yet dreaded to go there or to school, as there were then 
but few Friends in the city, and my garb distinguishing 
me as one, the boys in the street called me Quaker, and 
used other reviling language. I would gladly have 
changed my dress, but my parents would not indulge me 
in this, and I think it was the means of preserving me 
from improper associations and some idle amusements. 
Though I was not clear at times of indulging in foolish and 
extravagant play, yet I was considered orderly both by 
my elder friends and school-fellows. One of the latter 
being taken sick, and apprehending he would not recover, 
told his mother, as she was watching by his bed-side, that 
if he was as good a boy as I, he should not be afraid to 
die. This being reported to me I was much affected, 
knowing he was mistaken, and that I was not as good as 
he thought me, but I resolved to endeavor to do better. 

A few days after this., as I was passing through the 
street, I gave way to some noisy and improper conduct, 
and looking behind me I saw the mother of the aforesaid 
lad near, and thought she observed my foolish conduct, 
at which I was so distressed that I sought a place of 
retirement and wept bitterly. — Henry 3ul\ Harrison's 
Purchase, Westchester Co., State of New York s 1112. 



Ninth Month 18.] 



DAILY READINGS. 261 



" Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not 
to the right hand nor to the left : remove thy foot from evil."— Pro v. iv. 26, 27. 

I MENTION this occurrence* of my childish days, 
to show that a sense of propriety of conduct is 
early awakened in the minds of children ; and if parents, 
and those who have the care of their tuition, w^ere care- 
ful to cherish this feeling, and lead their infant minds 
into the paths of piety and virtue, there would be more 
sons and daughters walking therein. * * * 

About my ninth year, I had a severe illness, by which 
I was reduced very low. After my recovery I was sent 
into the country. I often rambled alone among the 
forests and over the green fields, indulging my contempla- 
tive turn of mind. The remembrance of these solitary 
walks is often revived, especially when I behold the 
places where the groves and rocks and birds were wit- 
nesses of my plaintive soliloquies, whilst reviewing the 
beauties of nature ; by which my thoughts were turned 
to reflect upon the infinite wisdom of the great Creator, 
and desires increased that I might live in His fear and 
partake of His favor. The evil example of wicked and 
rude boys often drew me to join them in folly, and I 
sinned and felt great condemnation, frequently weeping 
for my misconduct. But God, who is rich in mercy, for 
His great love wherewith He loved us, saith the apostle, 
even when we were dead in sin, hath quickened us to- 
gether with Christ ; by grace ye are saved. — Henry Hull, 
1782. 

* See opposite page. 



262 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 19. 



M If he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak ; for thy servant heareth, so Sam- 
nel went, and laid down in his place."— 1 Samuel iii. 9. 

SAMUEL'S want of experience caused him to run to 
Eli when the Lord called him, being a stranger to 
the Divine voice ; and my ignorance left me in a situation 
somewhat similar, so that I did not consider the uneasiness 
I felt, and the desire I felt to hide my conduct, as proceed- 
ing from the reproofs of Divine Grace. Eli instructed 
Samuel how to answer the Lord's call, and by obedience 
he became an eminent Seer in his day ; and this induces 
me to think it right for parents and tutors to use great 
simplicity of language when instructing children, and to 
teach them to live in the fear of the Lord, though their 
capacities may not be so matured as to comprehend the 
sublime doctrines of the Gospel. For want of this knowl- 
edge, many are mere professors of the letter, while they 
deny the power, the spiritual appearance of Christ to the 
soul ; when, as the holy " Word which is quick and pow- 
erful, and sharper than any two-edged sword," He appears 
unto them, as he did unto Saul, whilst he was a persecutor. 
It is His " quickening Spirit" that brings man under 
condemnation for transgression, and as a faithful witness, 
teaches children, even in their early days, to know good 
from evil ; and were suitable examples set before them, in- 
stead of evil, joined with pious labors by parents and 
guardians, to train up children in the fear of the Lord? 
and turn their attention to this inspeaking word of Divine 
Grace, they would, I believe, be more likely to choose 
the ways of piety and virtue. — Henry Still. 



Ninth Month 20.] 



DAILY READINGS. 263 



" But to do good and to communicate, forget not ; for with such sacrifices God 
Is well pleased. 1 '— Heb. xiii. 16. 

MY heart has often been tendered towards the ris- 
ing generation whilst traveling in this land, 
Great Britain and Ireland, with desires that they may con- 
sider and justly appreciate their privileges. Many of 
you are in easy circumstances, and some of you are 
exposed to the dangers and temptations of affluence. 
May you now, in the bloom of your days, think of the 
importance of a well-spent life ! and if you are not called 
into public service, as some have been before you, 
consider how you are spending your time. Is it to ad- 
vance the cause of truth and righteousness, or is it 
merely to gratify yourselves ? When at your toilets, 
shrink not at the idea of death, which, when reflected 
upon, sometimes preserves from pride. When poring 
over light and trifling publications, with which the pres- 
ent age abounds, or when using pencil or needle merely 
to amuse, think whether your time might not be more 
profitably spent in reading the Scriptures, with other 
pious writings or useful publications ; in working for the 
poor of your respective neighborhoods, visiting the sick, 
or administering to their wants. By these laudable pur- 
suits, the mind becomes prepared for usefulness, in the 
promotion of the cause of religion to the glory of God 
and the comforting of His people. I love you, and am 
comforted in believing many of you love the truth. Deal 
children, hold on your way ; regard not the scorner, noi 
the supercilious brow of the wicked. — Henry fiicll, 1812. 



264 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 21, 



"Behold the Kingdom of God is within you. 1 ' — Luke xvii. 21. 

THE great Orderer of nature and the God of all grace 
has visited you, in order to make you His ; as an 
inward care and feeling are kept to, I trust it will be so ; and 
that you will more and more become serviceable in your 
day by yielding obedience to that which influences and 
disposes to follow the Lord in His leadings and require- 
ings. The way to hear the language of the Spirit is to 
be icithin ; it is often slow of utterance unless we are 
willing and obedient ; the quicker we are to hear and ac- 
tive in obeying, the readier and oftener it speaks to 
our instruction and furtherance in great sanctification. 
And as you have been made partakers of the powers of 
the world to come, live near its quickenings ; it leads into 
solitude and solitary places, and out of the spirit of the 
world and its inordinate love of visible*. * * * 

In this state we feel at times a joy and rejoicing that 
encourages us to persevere; in which we are ready 
to conclude that nothing shall be able to separate us 
from serving the Lord. And perhaps this lasts for a sea- 
son ; but this abates with the withdrawings of life, and 
the world and the things of it often gain strength in our 
affections — but it is beyond a doubt with me, that a re- 
ligious faithful discharge of our duty to God and his 
Church is the way to prosper inwardly and outwardly, 
and to enjoy a Kingdom on earth far superior in dignity 
and glory to any Emperor or King that fears not God. — 
Samuel Nedle^ Ireland, 1771. 



Ninth Month 22.] 



DATLY READINGS. 265 



" Unto the wicked God saith, what hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or 
that thou shouldst take my covenant in thy mouth, seeing thou hatest instruc- 
tion, and casteth my words behind thee."— Psalm 1. 16, 17. 

THERE must be a state of sanctification (in degree) 
known, by the spirit of judgment and burning, 
before any can be proper objects to be receivers of this 
inspiring gift, that can only assist a minister, and make 
him instrumental of doing good to others. The tree 
must be good, e'er the fruit can be so ; and right and 
true ministers are to be known by their fruits. This be- 
ing granted, which I think can't be denied, then it fol- 
lows that none, without being qualified, can be called to 
the work of the ministry by a divine inspiration of the 
Holy Spirit ; and therefore all vile, and ungodly persons, 
while they continue in that natural and unregenerate state, 
are excluded from any part in this gift ; and although some 
such may pretend, that either with their learning or by 
their money, or both, they may have acquired or made 
purchase of orders for liberty to preach, and may on this 
foundation undertake to expose what they have to sell, 
but what they sell is no other than what they have 
bought. — Samuel Bownas, 1702. 



Temptation, His true will assail, 

And that, without and within ; 
And deeply his soul must hewail, 

For inward corruption and sin. 

—J. J. Gurnet. 



266 DAILY READINGS. [Ninth Month 23. 

" Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall 
say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceed- 
ing glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the 
prophets which were before you." — Matt. v. 11, 12. 

THERE is a persecution, as before hinted, by calumny, 
and reproach, or reviling, by evil speaking and 
falsities, which, for the most part, it is better patiently 
and quietly to suffer for Christ's sake, and if we are 
abused to appeal to him ; for many times words beget 
words, till at last it comes to prejudice, and breaks the 
unity and peace of brethren and families. So that in a 
general way, one had better suffer the calumnies and re- 
proaches of evil men, with a tender concern for God's 
glory, resting in the blessing of Christ, and that thou wilt 
most surely feel if thou canst appeal to him in this wise, 
"Lord, thou knowest I suffer this wrong for thy sake." 
In such sufferings there is an inward joy, a spiritual re- 
joicing ; and the heart of the persecuted is abundantly 
more glad, through the blessing and goodness of Christ, 
than the persecutor, whose conscience accuseth him in 
secret. And as to personal persecution, it is no more 
than the prophets and our Lord suffered before us ; and 
with that consideration Christ comforts his suffering 
seed ; those who suffer with him and his seed, these have 
the promise of reigning with him ; and himself hath 
promised them a reward, no less than the kingdom of 
heaven. — Thomas Chalkly. 

I found no narrowness respecting sects and opinions ; but believed that 
sincere, upright-hearted people in every society who truly love God, were ac- 
cented of Him.— John Woolman. 



Ninth Month 24.] 



DAILY READINGS. 267 



'* Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to 
hear than to give the sacrifice of fools.' 1 — Eccl. v. 1. 

IN the yearly meeting the little active service I had, 
I believe Friends united with, and I may almost 
say, I was thankful that little did devolve upon me; for 
I thought I saw, more clearly than I had ever done be- 
fore, that it does truly require great weight and power, 
such as are not often given, except to those of much ex- 
perience, to move acceptably in these large meetings ; and 
that many that were often wise in other places might 
there be in especial danger of offering the sacrifice of fools, 
particularly in prayer — the sense of it over the meeting 
being caught by those not fitted to convey the expres- 
sion of it to so large an assembly, and so taking the place 
of those who might have conveyed it more rightly. Yet 
the weakest should not be discouraged, because they 
sometimes miss the way, nor the simplest in following 
the obedience of faith, because it does not always tell for 
much among their fellow-mortals. No doubt the Mas- 
ter of assemblies often ruled over all, and kept things in 
right order, which was generally very conspicuous.* * * 
Who is sufficient for these things ? Left to ourselves, 
they are impossible. We can only go forward under an 
humble trust that strength will be given sufficient for the 
part we may be called upon to perform. If our humility 
is but increased thereby, the end may be answered. May 
we bow low enough to be shielded from danger, though 
we cannot escape trial. — Hannah C. Backhouse, 1827. 



268 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 25. 



M Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say 
all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.'"— Matt. v. 11. 

I 1ST 1661, the Parliament passed another act, aimed di- 
rectly at the Society, providing that any Quaker re- 
fusing to take an oath, when lawfully tendered, or who 
should maintain, in writing or otherwise, the unlawfulness 
of taking an oath ; or if five or more Quakers, above the 
age of sixteen years, should assemble for religious worship, 
they should forfeit five pounds for the first offence, or 
suffer three months' imprisonment, doubling the penalty 
for the second offence ; and for the third, they were to 
abjure the realm, or be transported.* * * Severe as were the 
sufferings of Friends under these oppressive laws, their 
constancy was not shaken. They fearlessly and openly 
met for the solemn duty of divine worship, nothing daunt- 
ed by the terrors which threatened them. This Christian 
boldness exasperated their enemies, especially the perse- 
cuting priests and magistrates; and another law was 
procured more prompt and terrible in its operation. It 
declared that every person taken at a meeting consisting 
of more than five, besides the household, should suffer 
three months' imprisonment, or pay a fine of five pounds 
on conviction before two justices, double the penalty for 
the second offence : being convicted of a third before the 
justices at the Quarter Sessions, should be transported for 
seven years or pay one hundred pounds fine ; in case they 
returned or escaped, they should be adjudged felons, 
and sentenced to death. Thomas Evans. {Introductory 
remarks from the life of Geo. Fox.) 



Ninth Month 26.] 



DAILY READINGS. 269 



w They shall beat their swords into plough shares, and their spears into prun- 
ing-hooks : nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn 
war any more." — Isa. ii. 4. 

IT is one amongst the numerous moral phenomena of 
the present times, that the inquiry is silently yet 
not slowly spreading in the world : Is War compatible 
with the Christian religion ? There was a period when 
the question was seldom asked, and when war was re- 
garded almost by every man both as inevitable and right. 
That period has certainly passed away ; and not only in- 
dividuals but public societies, and societies in distant na- 
tions are urging the question upon the attention of man- 
kind. 

It is not unworthy of remark, that whilst disquisitions 
are frequently issuing from the press, of which the ten- 
dency is to show that war is not compatible with Chris- 
tianity, judicious attempts are made to show that it is. 
Whether this results from the circumstance that no indi- 
vidual peculiarity is interested in the proof — or that there 
is a secret consciousness that proof can not be brought — 
or that those who may be desirous of defending the cus- 
tom rest in security that the impotence of its assailants 
will be of no avail against a custom so established and so 
supported — I do not know: yet the fact is remarkable, 
that scarcely a defender is to be found. It can not be 
doubted that the question is one of the utmost interest 
and importance to man. Whether the custom be defen- 
sible or not, every man should inquire into its consistency 
with the moral law. — Jonathan Dymond^ London, 1852. 



270 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 27. 



* l I have been young, and now I am old ; yet hare I not seen the righteous for- 
saken, nor his seed begging bread."— Psalm xxxvii. 25. 



ACCORDING to the resolution of a good man of 
old, who in his prayers said, From my youth Thou 
hast taught me,and now likewise when I am old and gray- 
headed, O Lord ! forsake me not, until I have showed thy 
strength to another generation, and thy power to those 
who are yet to come ; and as the Lord is thus near us, we 
shall be very near and dear one unto another. 

I have a true unity with thee in thy concern on account 
of Friends' children ; and a jealousy sometimes on my 
mind, lest the ensuing generation, receiving the profession 
of Truth in a traditional way, and being unacquainted 
with the wonders of the Lord, which he has wrought for 
his exercised people, in their travels through the wilder- 
ness, may be ready to sit as those who are at ease in 
Zion, and trust in the mountains of a formal profession. 
The Lord, I beseech him, turn away this careless and 
lukewarm spirit from among the offspring of his people ; 
and engage the young generation in zeal and fervency in 
his service. As to Friends here, though some are too 
careless, yet there is a remnant whose delight is in the 
Lord, and to whom he delights to do good, and to refresh 
with the visitations of his presence, whereby their strength 
is renewed season after season. And the spirit of some 
are concerned, and their mouths sometimes opened on 
God's account, being made witnesses of the operation of 
his Divine Power, by which they are stirred up to speak 
his praise. — Thomas Gwinn, Falmouth, England, 1692. 



Ninth Month 28.] DAILY READINGS. 271 

41 Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thy heart." 
—Psalm xxvii. 14. 

I WOULD therefore rather encourage thee to dili- 
gence in the duties of the closet, to private reading 
of the Scriptures, to close self-examination, meditation, 
and secret prayer, than to suffer thyself to be drawn forth 
into much conversation or writing on the spiritual con- 
cerns. If thou look to the Lord Jesus, and desire to be 
his sincere, humble follower, He has promised such 
" shall not walk in darkness, bat shall have the light of 
life," and there is no teaching like his teaching. 

With respect to visiting the sick and poor, thou kno west 
I have always encouraged thee to think of them, and to 
attend to their temporal wants ; and if, in the course of thy 
visits amongst them for this purpose, thou feel inclined 
to read to them, it is a very useful and profitable employ- 
ment for thee and them. But I need scarcely say to thee, 
it requires great caution and much religious experience, 
to speak suitably to persons who are perhaps undergoing 
the correcting discipline of our Heavenly Father, or 
whom He may be training, by many afflictions, for a bet- 
ter inheritance. " To speak a word in season" requires 
the assistance of that Spirit which only can teach us to 
speak aright, and therefore I would say, it is often safer, 
especially for young persons, to offer up a secret prayer 
on their behalf, than to express ourselves to them under 
the influence of present excitement. — Maria Fox, 1837. 



272 DAILY READINGS. 



[Ninth Month 29. 



" And every man that strivcth for the mastery, is temperate in all things."— 
1 Cor. ix. 25. 

OH ! the deplorable effects of the degrading vice of 
Intemperance on the body, soul, and temporal 
substance of numbers who unhappily indulge in it ; whose 
are debased below those of the brute creation. It lays men 
open to every temptation, and reduces many from opulent 
circumstances to extreme poverty. It is destructive of 
every delicate social enjoyment ; it often emaciates the 
body, deprives the soul of its highest good, the divine 
presence, whilst in time ; and, if continued to the end of 
it, finally excludes it from Christ's pure kingdom of ever- 
lasting bliss. 

Alas ! that men should indulge in it to their shame. 
Solomon saith truly, " Wine is a mocker, strong drink is 
raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise ;" 
again, who hath woe ? who hath sorrow ? who hath con- 
tentions ? who hath babbling ? who hath wounds with- 
out cause ? who hath redness of eyes ? They that tarry 
long at " the wine, that go to seek mixed wine. Look not 
thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his 
color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the 
last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." 

May such be persuaded to bow in the day of God's 
merciful visitations to their souls, and kiss the Son lest 
he be angry, and they perish from the way of life and 
salvation. His sacred laws of unchangeable truth are as 
manifest in the punishment of transgressors as in the re- 
ward of those who do well. — Catherine Phillips, 1757. 



Ninth Month 30. J DAILY READINGS. 273 

* I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplication.*, prayers, intercessions, and 
giving of thanks, be made for all men ; for kings, and for all that are in author- 
ity."— 1 Timothy ii. 1, 2. 

TO King William of England. — It hath pleased 
Almighty God to bring me unto this place, two 
hundred miles from my outward dwelling, in my old age, 
(being entered into my 85th year), to bear my testimony 
for that eternal Truth which I and many others are made 
partakers of — praised be the Lord ! But I am not free to 
return to my habitation until I have cleared myself unto 
this Government. I was exercised in this manner the 
first year King Charles II. came to the crown ; and labored 
among them at court a whole year to acquaint them with 
our principles. 

And now I am about to acquaint King William that we 
have been a people for about thirty-six years, having lived 
under several reigns ; and we have suffered very much, 
as is well known to the nation of England, even to the 
death of several hundreds by imprisonments and other 
hardships. 

Yet we were never found in the transgression of any 
just or righteous law, but only suffered upon account of 
our consciences towards God. 

And God hath placed thee over this Government, who 
hast been very moderate and merciful to us, and we live 
very comfortably under thee. God has blessed th^ 
Government and prospered thy undertakings, for which 
the King and we have cause to bless his Holy name. 
— Margaret Fox, London, 1698. 



274 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 1. 



M All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his cove- 
nant and testimonies."— Psalm xxv. 10. 

IF we resign ourselves, through every loss and cross, 
to the disposal of our Holy Head, and endeavor dil- 
igently to " keep all His testimonies ;" if we resolve to 
follow the Lord's Spirit, in all things, we may reverently 
believe He will preserve us unhurt. The humble hope 
may then arise, that His own eternal power will again be 
known to abound among us ; and that many living wit- 
nesses to the truth will yet be raised up, within our bor- 
ders, to the praise of His glorious name. There is proba- 
bly no body of Christians by whom these precious 
truths have been more clearly advanced than by the So- 
ciety of Friends. It has always appeared to them, that 
the free and immediate teaching of the Spirit of Christ is 
the main characteristic of that new covenant which was 

established in the world by his propitiatory death. 
* * * * 

In conclusion I would express an earnest desire that 
we may be enabled more and more to commend our re- 
ligious Society, in secret and fervent prayer, to God. 
Let us pray that we may be taught of Him, to open our 
hearts and understandings to the whole truth, as it is in 
Jesus; that we may stand with immoveable steadfast- 
ness on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Je- 
sus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone ; and that 
on this foundation we may be built up a spiritual temple, 
which shall ever bear the inscription of Holiness unto the 
Lord. — J. J. Gurney. 



Tenth Month 2.] DAILY READINGS. 275 

11 The word of God is not bound."— 2 Timothy ii. 9. 

IN the seed of life that is over all whom the Lord 
doth support, and hath supported by his eternal 
arm and power, to stand for his glory, be valiant for 
His truth and His name upon the earth, who is God — All- 
sufficient and Almighty over all, to support you all, and 
to supply you with all things needful. Now, dear friends, 
it is not only given you to believe in the name of Christ, 
but also to suffer for His name's sake ; so you see and 
know it is a gift given you to believe, a gift to suffer for 
Christ's sake and his righteousness. But, however, as 
Christ saith, " Be ye as wise as serpents, and harmless 
as doves;" for Christ's believers are as sheep or lambs 
among wolves ; he hath declared that they shall be brought 
before councils, and before rulers, for his name's sake, but 
Christ bids his disciples "take no thought how or 
what ye shall speak, for it shall be given you in that 
same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that 
speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in 
you ; * and this Spirit of the Father is sufficient to trust 
to, for it shall answer all, if they have ears to hear, and 
will comfort his people, his lambs and sheep. And the 
disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above 
his lord, for Christ the Lord and master of the sheep was 
despised ; so it is enough for the disciple that he be as 
his master, and the servant as his Lord. * * Amen. 
— George Fox. 

* Matthew x. 19, 20. 



276 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 8. 



11 1 will praise thee ; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made : marvelous are 
thy works ; and that my soul knoweth right well."— Psalm cxxxix. 14. 

HEALTH is an extraordinary favor ! I think it is 
wonderful that the machines of our bodies should 
go such a length of time without being out of order, 
considering the complicated variety, and minuteness, and 
delicacy of the organs which compose them. May we be 
enabled acceptably to acknowledge, and often return due 
homage for the manifold mercies which we receive our- 
selves, and also to intercede for divine protection and 
relief to be extended to others in distress and affliction of 
body and mind ! I doubt not thy frequent visits to such : 
they are more becoming a Christian society — more 
befitting the disciples of Christ to be exercised in, than 
insipid, formal, cursory visits of show and ceremony, 
where light, superficial talk, and an impertinent busying 
in other people's matters is indulged. This is not the 
intercourse which the Lord has chosen for his people, but 
that they should seek to visit one another in his name, 
under the influence of his pure power, and therein either 
keep to an inward travail of spirit for the arising of it, or, 
in a proper freedom, maintain a conversation savory and 
edifying. This, I apprehend, is the way to grow in 
service. Time is short and is minutely to be accounted 
for. The work we are called to, the spreading of the 
holy principles of Christianity among men, is awfully 
important ; where is there room, then, for idleness, su- 
pineness, and indifference. — Richard Shackleton, Ireland, 
1786. 



Tenth Month 4.] 



DAILY READINGS. 277 



44 Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good 
way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls, "— Jer. vi. 16. 

IF Christ be not accepted in all his gracious offices, 
and, as ability is afforded, set forth in the same, the 
sure consequence is a gradual lapse into heresy — an ob- 
servation which applies with equal force to those who dis- 
regard his coming in the flesh as the Revealer of truth, 
and the Propitiation for sin, and to those who think light- 
ly, and dwell very curiously (if at all) on his appearing 
in the heart, by his Spirit. It seems impossible that any- 
thing can be more striking than the lessons which have 
been read to us, on both these points, of late seasons. 
My very soul is penetrated with the conviction of the ex- 
cellence, beauty, and perfection of pure primitive Chris- 
tianity, as held by Friends. The evangelical foundation, 
the spiritual superstructure, w^hat a delightful harmony 
between the two ; what a unit in the glorious whole ! 
Who shall dare to mar it either by diminution or addi- 
tion ? I do not mean that the whole should be brought 
forward in every sermon ; but the whole should be deeply 
deposited in the mind of every preacher of the gospel, 
and be brought from the treasure-house as the state of 
the hearers may require, under the immediate influen- 
ces of the Spirit of Truth. — J. J. Gurney, 1820. 

Would to God this divine virtue were more implanted and diffused among 
mankind, the pretenders of Christianity especially ; and we should certainly 
mind piety more than controversy ; and exercise love and compassion, instead 
of censuring and persecuting one another, in any manner.— Wm. Pbnn, 1690. 



278 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 5. 



41 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth : therefore despise not 
thon the chastening of the Almighty."— Job v. 17. 

THIS day seven years we entered London as a resi- 
dence. The time has not passed over unmarked 
by anxiety and trouble, and has included some steps of the 
spiritual journey different from any which had been pre- 
viously trodden. But mercy hath abounded, and out of 
many trying circumstances, and what may be termed 
evil, good has been brought. * * * 

I often think that trouble is more favorable as it regards 
me than comparative ease, for I never remember to have 
experienced such refreshing incomes of heavenly strength 
as when, " because of oppression, affliction, and sorrow, " I 
have been brought low ; and, crying unto the Lord in 
my distresses, have found him mercifully willing to com- 
fort and sustain, though he hath not seen meet to deliver 
from trouble at the time, or in the way nature may 
have craved. 

The great public calamity which, in the ordering of 
infinite wisdom, has befallen this nation and empire, 
spreads general sadness. The amiable and promising 
princess Charlotte, whom all ranks agree in lamenting, 
was last night committed to the silent tomb, and now 
lies as low as the poorest and most destitute individual. 
What a lesson for the young, gay, and prosperous ; and 
how must Christians pray that it may be read by those to 
whom the awful circumstance is most deeply interesting, 
and who have witnessed the solemn appendages of de- 
parted royalty ! — Charlotte Dudley, 181 1. 



Tenth Month 6.] 



DAILY READINGS. 279 



"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and 
the Holy Ghost : and these three are one."— 1 John v. 7. 

THE Spirit is with the Father, and with the Son, is 
present everywhere, filleth all places, and is for 
ever and ever. He trieth all things, and revealeth the 
things of the Father and the Son unto all that believe 
in the Son. He makes manifest, and searcheth into the 
deep things of God, and witnesseth the salvation of the 
just, and the condemnation of the unjust. He is not 
absent from any place. The Father and the Son work 
all things through him, and bring all things in heaven 
and earth to pass by him. He works in the hearts of 
the children of men, and in every one witnesseth of 
the Father and of the Son, to the justness, greatness, 
righteousness, and power of the Eternal Creator, that 
made all things by the Son through his Eternal Spirit, 
which is one with the Father and with the Son, and is 
the worker of their will and mind in all things. He 
worketh in the wicked to reprove them, and to wit- 
ness against them that God is angiy with them. He 
worketh in the righteous, and witnesseth the love, and 
mercy, and peace of the Father unto them. — Edward 
Burroughs London, 1657. 



A minister of the gospel ought to be one of Christ's making, if he would pass 
for one of Christ's ministers. And if he be one of his making, he knows and 
does as well as believes.— Wm. Penn. 

True religion is a refuge inaccessible to either the violence or fraud of men. 
—George Dillwtn. 



280 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 7. 



"Why art thou cast down, O my soul; and why art thou disquieted in me ? 
hope thou in God ; for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." 
— Psalm xlii. 5. 

" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great 
calm."— Matt. viii. 26. 

THEREFORE be not discouraged, O thou tossed as 
with tempest, nor dismayed in thyself ; because 
thou seest such mighty hosts of enemies rising up 
against thee, and besetting thee on every side ; for none 
was so beset, and tried, and tempted as the true Seed 
was, who was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with 
grief. But be thou still in thy mind, and let the billows 
pass over, and wave upon wave ; and fret not thyself be- 
cause of them, neither be cast down, as if it never should 
be otherwise with thee : sorrow comes at night, but joy 
in the morning ; and the days of thy mourning shall be 
over, and the accuser will God cast out for ever. For 
therefore was I afflicted, and not comforted, and tempted, 
and tried for this end, that I might know how to speak a 
word in due season, unto those who are tempted and af- 
flicted as I once was, as it was said unto me in that day, 
when sorrow lay heavy upon me. Therefore be not dis- 
consolated, neither give heed unto the reasonings and 
disputings of thy own heart, nor the fears that are there- 
from ; but be strong in the faith, believing in the light 
which lets thee see them, and his grace thou will know 
to be sufficient for thee, and his strength to be made per- 
fect in weakness. And so thou will glory in thy infirmi- 
ties and his power to rest upon thee. — John Crook, 1660. 



Tenth Month 8.] 



DAILY READINGS. 281 



" Blessed are the pure in heart ; for they shall see God.— Matt. v. 8. 

BY which we may understand, that we are to take 
care of our hearts, and to keep a strict watch over 
them ; and not admit unclean or unchaste thoughts, or 
sinful desires, to have an entrance therein. And if at 
unawares, they should at any time enter, we must not 
entertain or love them, but turn them out ; for we, in this, 
should be like our heavenly Father, of purer eyes than 
to behold iniquity with any allowance or approbation : 
otherwise it will hinder us from seeing God, and from the 
sweet enjoyment of his most precious presence, and from 
beholding the only begotten of the Father, and the full- 
ness of his grace and truth, which we cannot see if our 
hearts are impure. We have an instance in the scribes 
and pharisees, who, though they were outwardly right- 
eous and clean, yet within were very impure, so that they 
could not see God, though he was in Christ reconciling 
the world to himself : notwithstanding their nice discern- 
ing eyes, yet they could not see him, for the impurity of 
their hearts ; which was so great that they murdered the 
just One, their hearts being full of deceit and hypocrisy. 
" Make clean the inside, and the outside will be clean 
also," says Christ : from whence it appears that a true 
Christian must be clean both within and without. The 
beginning of the work of purity and sanctity must be 
within ; and being innocent and pure in heart, we shall 
then see the glory of the Father, the lovely beauty of the 
Son, and the power of the Holy Ghost. — Thomas Chalkly. 



282 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 9. 



" God is the Lord, which hath showed us light : bind the sacrifices with cords, 
even unto the horns of the altar. 11 — Psalm cxvii. 27. 

THE time seems come when I must claim the notice 
of my friends, and I can truly say that it is under 
an awful sense of the greatness as well as the goodness 
of God, that I venture to acknowledge that my mind has 
often been led to admire and adore his power ; and whilst 
it has been matter of humbling consideration that He 
should deign to employ so mean an instrument in any 
part of his work or service, my spirit has been enabled 
and made willing to bow in entire submission to his Holy, 
righteous will, and to dedicate myself, — all that I am, 
and all that I possess, — in simple obedience to his re- 
quirings. For many years I have seen that if I continued 
alive in the truth, yielding faithfully, in the integrity of 
my heart, to the leadings of my great Lord and Master, I 
should be called to more extensive labors, to promote his 
great cause in the earth, and to travel in distant and remote 
lands. And now of later time the call has appeared 
louder, and in endeavoring to dwell near to Him, who, I 
reverently believe, has thus called me into his service, there 
has seemed no other way but to stand resigned, giving 
up all, and faithfully following the Divine requirings. 
It has appeared that if I would not forfeit that sense of 
acceptance with my Maker, which I value beyond every 
earthly joy, I must cross the waves and billows of the 
great ocean, and visit the churches on the continent of 
North America. — Hannah C. Backhouse, 1830. 

Piety is the best panoply. 



Tenth Month 10.] 



DAILY READINGS. 283 



M But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by- 
reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."— He- 
brews v. 14. 

I AM very sensible this is the respite that often the 
first gracious and humbling visitation of the Holy 
Being affords to his favored children, to give them a full 
opportunity to view their own defilements and irregular 
passions, and the purity, truth, and harmony of religion, 
with all its attractive qualities and perfections, and that 
the soul may be filled with an abhorrence of the one, and 
the pleasing prospect and delight of the other. Thus as 
babes are we attended, taken by the hand, and gently led 
along ; but after all, it is expected that we grow in strength, 
and in the more manly exercises of the soul than our 
infant state will admit of, and may, perhaps, be tried 
again and again with those very temptations which have 
formerly presented ; and who knows but they a little 
harden upon our hands, as we become more capable to 
determine our actions in favor of the Christian religion, 
and a truly sober and virtuous life. Enemies without 
t may assail, and barrenness and poverty of soul within. 
— William Longmire, Kendal, 1736. 

Now, dear Friends, all keep in the unity of God's 
Holy Spirit, which is in the bond of peace. And in the 
same Spirit of God be all of one mind, and one judgment. 
And in the same spirit feel the love of God shed in your 
hearts, which bears and endures all things ; which love 
nothing below is able to separate you from. And in this 
love of God, the body of Christ, (which he is the head of) 
is edified. — London Epistle, 1728. 



284 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 11. 



11 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he 
walked.' 1 — John ii. 6. 

WHEREAS you have received the truth, every- 
one with all carefulness may walk in it ; and as 
I have often exhorted, so I would put you in mind again, 
that you meet often together, and when met, labor to be 
rightly exercised in mind towards God in your particular 
gifts, and that none give way to an indifferent mind or a 
conceited spirit, which blinds the eye of the pure mind, 
but every one keep to the power of the Holy Spirit, so 
in that you will be enabled to withstand that spirit that 
leads to sleep and unconcernedness, which some have been 
too much inclined unto, to the great dishonor of God, 
their own great hurt, and to the trouble and grief of 
honest Friends ; for where truth is not lived in, in the 
inward parts, that spirit takes place, and so brings forth 
such fruits. Also be tender to every green thing that 
appears, and labor that such things be weeded out of 
your assembly as cumber and hurt ; for this I do see, 
that neither a man nor a meeting shall ever be right before 
God, till evil be purged out the heart. Let the notion 
of religion be what it will, those that walk in the truth 
do and will receive the goodness of God when met 
together ; it is such that take delight to come together on 
God's account, and cannot cry, " My business, my busi- 
ness ; " neither will they be hindered by it, for they know 
the great business is to increase their strength in the 
truth. — Win. ElliS) Cork, Ireland, 1694. 



Tenth Month 12.] 



DAILY READINGS. 285 



" And they believed the Scriptures, and the word which Jesus had said."— 
John ii. 22. 

ONE of the very interesting considerations which 
are presented to an inquirer in perusing the vol- 
ume of Scripture, consists in the variations in its mo- 
rality. There are three distinctly denned periods in 
which the moral government and laws of the Deity as- 
sume, in some respects, a different character. In the 
first, without any system of external instruction, He 
communicated His will to some of our race, either im- 
mediate or through a superhuman messenger. In the 
second, He promulgated through Moses a distinct and 
extended code of laws, addressed peculiarly to a select 
people. In the third, Jesus Christ and His commissioned 
ministers delivered precepts, of which the general char- 
acter was that of greater purity or perfection, and of 
which the obligation was universal upon mankind. 

That the records of all these dispensations containing 
declarations of the will of God, is certain ; that their 
moral requisitions are not always coincident, is also cer- 
tain ; and thence the conclusion becomes inevitable, 
that to us one is of primary authority ; that when all do 
not coincide, one is paramount to the other. That a 
coincidence does not always exist, may easily be shown. 
It is manifest, not only by comparison of precepts and of 
the general tenor of the respective records, but from 
the express declarations of Christianity itself. * * * 
— Jonathan Dymond, London, 1842. 



286 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 13. 



• l He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out : he hath made my chain 
heavy. 1 '— Lam. iii. 7. 

DO not think that thou art either forgotten of God 
or of thy friends, for thou art near to my life ; 
Oh ! that we may so steer through this vale of tears, that 
when time here shall be over, we may meet in that mansion 
of glory that is prepared for the righteous ; for many are 
their exercises and baptisms ; they are at times even like 
the lone sparrow on the housetop, or the quail in the 
stubble-field. Here they are pursued by the enemy of 
souls, so I have been ready to say : How can I go any 
further ? and have said with David : My way is enclosed 
with hewn stones, that I cannot get out. O let us trust 
in him who multiplied the widow's oil and the little meal 
in the barrel. This hath done me good, when I have 
rightly considered it ; for it was a time of favor when 
the prophet came to her, and bade her first make Mm a 
cake, and then one for herself, she thought of eating it 
and dying. I would not have thee discouraged, though 
it may be a slow time with thee ; and that little will keep 
alive, until the pure rain be distilled again. So in that 
pure love that I feel to flow to thee I bid thee farewell. — 
Alice Routh, Hawes, England, 1638. 

Lord ! we know that Thou art near us, 
Though Thou seem'st to hide Thy face; 

And are pure that Thou dost hear us, 
Though no answer we embrace. 

Not one blessing shall miscarry ; 
Not one blessing come to late ; 
Though the vision long may tarry, 
Give us patience, Lord, to wait. 



Tenth Month 14.] DAILY READINGS. 287 

" Ye shall not therefore oppress one another ; but thou shalt fear thy God : 
for I am the Lord your God."— Lev. xxv. 17. 



TO James Sharke, archbishop of St. Andrews, (so 
called) : — My being personally unknown to thee, 
hath hindered me to give way to that pressure of mind, 
whereby I have felt myself oftentimes moved to write 
to thee ; but since there is an Address intended to be 
presented to the Council, at the first sitting, in behalf of 
me and my friends, I could no longer forbear upon this 
occasion to signify unto thee what hath been upon my 
mind for some time towards thee. The address itself w^ill 
inform thee how we have been upwards of a year impris- 
oned, and the goods of many poor people miserably 
spoiled, of which thou art said to be the chief and prin. 
cipal author ; and that the attempting to persecute us, 
as well as the prosecution of it, doth proceed from thy 
influence, as being done either at thy express desire, or 
by some others, in hopes thereby to gratify thee. 

How far thou art truly guilty thereof, thine own con- 
science can best tell. Surely such practices (if thou hast, 
either directly or indirectly, had a hand in them) will 
neither commend thee to God nor good men. I presume 
thou lookest upon it as thy chief honors, to be reputed a 
Christian bishop, deriving thy authority from Christ and 
his Apostles, but they never gave warrant for any such 
doings, being preachers and practicers of patience and suf- 
fering, but never of persecuting, or causing to rob any of 
their goods or liberties, for their conscience sake. — Rob- 
ert Barclay. 



288 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 15. 



But watch thou in all things."— 2 Tim. iv. 5. 



COULD ye not watch with me one hour ? When as- 
sembled for the worship of God, or retired to 
meditate and wait upon him, does not this language of 
gentle reproof sometimes assail our minds ? We find how 
difficult it is to keep them fixed on their proper object, 
and prevent them from straggling to various other things, 
and in this state find some comfort from the consideration 
of the gracious apology that our blessed Saviour mercifully 
made for his disciples. " The spirit indeed is willing, but 
the flesh is weak." Perhaps there is scarcely anything 
more difficult than to maintain this watch. 

We could comply with forms of worship ; we could 
read or pray, or adopt anything that called for activity 
of body or mind, better than keep a silent watch. Our 
faculties are disposed to slumber, and though our Sa- 
viour may be withdrawn from us, but as at the distance of 
a stone's cast, drowsiness overpowers us. But though 
we are sensible of, and regret the weakness of our na- 
ture, yet it should not tempt us to give up the struggle. 
We sometimes toil long and catch nothing, and we may 
sometimes wait long without being favored to feel the 
presence of the Master ; but we may rest assured it will 
not be in vain. He knows how frail we are ; he remem- 
bers that we are but dust ; His eyes are continually over 
us ; he marks all our endeavors, and whilst we strive to 
do our best, will mercifully assist and strengthen us not 
only to watch against every intruder, but also to run the 
race that is set before us. — Margaret Woods, 1818. 



Tenth Month 16.] 



DAILY READINGS. 289 



u And when he hideth himself, who then can behold him." — Job xxxiv. 29. 

THE listlessness, amounting almost to lukewarmness, 
is felt, I believe, at times by every professor of faith 
in Christ, however sincerely desirous to be his disciple ; 
but may we not hope we shall in the Lord's time expe- 
rience deliverance from it, and does not the sorrow it 
occasions excite our prayers at the same time that it proves 
we are not left in a state of torpid insensibility ? How 
often have we desired to suffer pain rather than to become 
insensible? "While there is life there is hope;" and how- 
ever sincerely or justly we may disclaim the least shadow 
of merit, are we not conscious that ours is not the hope 
of the hypocrite, and may we not confide in His promise 
who has said, " I will never leave thee nor forsake thee ?" 
I was glad to find it was thy practice to begin the day 
with religious retirement, and reading a portion of the 
Holy Scriptures. The regular and frequent recurrence 
of any practice is too liable to reduce it to form ; but 
thoughtless at some times, at others we experience a re- 
vival, and to consider the promises and exhortations 
which we read in the Scriptures, the New Testament 
especially, as addressed to us immediately and individ- 
ually, will increase their interest by authorizing us to 
appreciate the abundant fund of consolation and encour- 
agement contained in the gospels and epistles. — Richard 
Reynolds 1810. 

Goodness, uoc greatness, does the mind improve. 



290 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 17. 



"And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee in the 
wilderness to humble thee, and prove thee." — Deuteronomy viii. 2. 



FOR in this wilderness-state we have no food, no 
water, viz., no right refreshment, but what our 
Leader provides and administers to us. In this state we 
can neither pray nor do any religious act without the 
direction of our Leader ; so that we find the case is much 
altered with us to what it was in time past, for then we 
could pray, sing, preach and perform other religious duties 
in our own time, feeding and satisfying ourselves there- 
with ; but now we are brought into the wilderness, where 
there is neither plowing nor sowing. We cannot now 
help ourselves by our own contrivance, and working in 
our own wills, but there we must live a life of faith, wholly 
depending on Him that will (if we faint not) bring us 
through to the heavenly Canaan. Thus we shall come 
in the Lord's time to experience the substance of those 
types and figures, under the legal dispensation, to be 
substantially fulfilled in our own minds by the operation 
of the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ, the substance and 
foundation of all true religion and ministry, that is really 
profitable to the hearers. — Samuel JBownas. 

Let us choose, therefore, to commune where there is the wannest sense of 
religion; where devotion exceeds formality, and practice most corresponds 
with profession ; and where is as much charity as zeal.— Wm. Penn. 



Tenth Month 18.] 



DAILY BEADINGS. 291 



" But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is goodly for himself. The 
Lord will hear when I call unto him."— Psalm iv. 3. 



MY own will and desires were now very much bro- 
ken, and my heart was, with much earnestness, 
turned to theLord, to whom I alone looked for help in the 
dangers before me. I had a prospect of the English 
along the coast, for upwards of nine hundred miles, where 
I traveled ; and their favorable situation and difficulties, 
attending the natives as well as the negroes in many 
places, were open before me. A weighty and heavenly 
care came over my mind, and love filled vny heart toward 
all mankind, in which I felt a strong engagement that 
w^e might be obedient to the Lord, while, in tender mercy, 
he is yet calling to us ; and that we might so attend to 
pure universal righteousness, as to give no just cause of 
offense to the Gentiles, who do not profess Christianity 
whether they be the blacks from Africa, or the native in- 
habitants of this continent. Here I was led into a close 
and laborious inquiry, whether I, as an individual, kept 
clear from all things which tended to stir up, or were 
connected with wars, either in this land or Africa ; my 
heart was deeply concerned, that in future I might in 
all things keep steadily to the pure truth, and live and 
walk in the plainness and simplicity of a follower of Christ. 
In this lonely journey, I. did greatly bewail the spreading 
of a wrong spirit. — John Woolman. 

Good offices are the cement of society. 



292 DAILY READINGS. [Tenth Month 19. 

"Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge." 
— Psalm xix. 2. 

OWHAT shall I say, or what words shall I make 
use of, to declare fully the Lord's goodness and 
compassion to this poor frame of mine ! "Day by Day, 
yes, all the day long, is his hand renewedly and refresh- 
ingly turned upon me, for my present and everlasting 
welfare. Even when the power of the wicked one came 
over my poor soul, when all desires and endeavors after 
good — after " those things that make for peace," were to 
appearance utterly extinguished, even in that dismal 
hour, which was still more darkened by the insensibility 
which benumbed me, the gloriously great and gracious 
Giver of all good was pleased to pity me, and to revive 
the latent spark within me, making it grow gradually 
brighter. Surely, He is working a good work within 
me ; his hand, his holy hand is upon me ; and if not 
through my own default, he will by no means draw back 
or desist, until he has made me all that he would have 
me to be. What a multitude of obstructions as well as 
snares and difficulties encompass me : how shall I put 
one foot forward in the right way, except the Lord him- 
self condescend continually to " direct my steps." O ! then, 
what a constant need there is of acknowledging Him in all 
my ways ; that so this promise of safe and sure direction 
may happily be fulfilled in my experience ; — " The Lord, 
he it is that doth go before thee ; he will be with thee ; 
he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee." — John 
Barclay, 1816. 



Tenth Month 30.] 



DAILY EEADINGS. 293 



" And said unto him, run. speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall 
be inhabited as towns without wails for the multitude of men and cattle therein. 
For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the 
glory in the midst of her. 11 — Zechariah ii. 4, 5. 

AS a fellow Christian traveler towards the celestial 
city, I earnestly intreat thee, in the love of the 
gospel, never to consider thyself on a level, or at liberty 
to act in full scope, with the man of business, who thinks 
himself created to pursue the things of time, without being 
responsible to his Creator for endeavoring to reach a sit- 
uation in life which would enable him to prepare for eter- 
nity. Thou wilt not be long at a loss what to do, if thou 
dost not overlook the secret motive in thy own breast. 
***** And if thou attendest to that direct- 
ing Hand which has hitherto preserved thee as a monu- 
ment of thy Heavenly Father's mercy, thy victory is 
already sure, though thou mayst not know it. It is not for 
the best, consequently not permitted, that we should al- 
ways see our way. Were this the case there would be no 
exercise of faith. The servant of the prophet was blind as 
to the power which preserved them, when he saw a host of 
the enemy encamped against them : he cried out, " Alas, 
my master, how shall we do ! " But his master answered, 
" Fear not ; for they that be with us are more than they 
that be with them;" and the prophet prayed that the 
young man might be made to see. And when his eyes 
were opened, what did he see ? Why, he saw the moun- 
tain full of horses and chariots of fire round about them. 
— John Yeardley, aged 34. 



294 DAILY READINGS. [Tenth Month 21. 

41 Ye are the salt of the earth : but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith 
shall it be salted ? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to cast out, and to be 
trodden under foot of men." — Matt. v. 13. 

HERE Christ showeth that his followers must season 
the earth, by living a savory life, and by walk- 
ing according to his doctrine, which is wonderfully set 
forth in this excellent sermon. If we live up to those 
holy rules, we shall be serviceable in our generation, and 
our lives will teach the people as well as our words, and 
better too, by how much example is better than precept. 
And indeed Christians ought to be careful in both ; in 
life to live holy, and in words to be sparing, observing 
to " let their words be few and savory, and seasoned 
with grace, that they may minister grace to the hearers." 
Thus should we season the world, and salt it with the salt 
of the covenant ; but if we lose this savor of grace, 
and take a liberty which Christ and his truth do not 
allow of, speaking things at random, which are not con- 
venient or edifying, but altogether unsavory ; then, ac- 
cording to our Master who is in heaven, we are good for 
nothing but to be cast out, i. e., out of the church, to be 
trampled upon by men, as in truth we deserve ; not that 
our bodies are to be killed or destroyed ; for the door of 
the church is always open to receive true penitents. But 
for this end and good purpose we are chastened of the 
Lord, that the soul may be saved in the day of the Lord. 
And those who know godly sorrow for their sins, and 
turn from the evil of their ways by amendment of life, 
those Christ forgives. — Thomas ChalMy. 



Tenth Month 22.] 



DAILY READINGS. 295 



M The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of 
assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 11 — Eccl. xii. 11. 

THEN", deeply did I lament that any of my precious 
time had been spent in perusing publications of 
an unprofitable tendency, such as plays and romances ; 
a ad I was made sensible that nothing I had ever been in 
the practice of, had so much alienated my mind from the 
love and fear of God, or led me so far from the simplicity 
of the pure truth, as books of this kind. How often did 
I wish I could warn the whole world of their pernicious 
effects, and especially the young people in our own socie- 
ty. Penning this remark brings to my remembrance 
how, in an instant, I was entirely w^eaned from ever desir- 
ing again to look into a book of this description. It was 
by a few words expressed by a beloved friend, when I 
was about reading to her one night after we got up 
stairs, and were retiring to bed. She queried with me, 
and I believe under divine influence, " Dear Mary, is 
such a subject likely to profit us upon our pillows?" 
The question so forcibly struck my mind, that I very 
willingly laid down the volume, and to the best of my re- 
membrance, I never more read a page in that, or any- 
thing of the like kind. I have often thought those few 
words were indeed " like apples of gold in pictures of 
silver," Prov. xxv. 11. — Mary Alexander, 1788. 

Still drive the baneful visitants away, 
Still bid rebellious sin withhold the sway, 

Till my whole heart to its Redeemer given, 
Thoughts of the world shall yield to hopes in heaven. 

—A. Opib. 



296 • DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 23. 



" For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid,which is Jesus 

Christ."— 1 Cor. iii. 11. 

THAT there are some expressions to be found in the 
writings of our early Friends, the ambiguity of 
which has furnished an opportunity to prejudiced persons 
greatly to misrepresent their meaning, will not be denied 
by any one who is conversant with their works. It is 
equally true, that there have seldom been wanting 
either envious opposers or pretended admirers, who have 
been prompt to take every advantage which inaccuracy 
or inadvertance of expression has thus furnished. And 
too often the ignorance of our own members on these sub- 
jects has not only disqualified them for vindicating the 
Christian faith of their forefathers, but rendered them 
the dupes of such designing and artful men. Hence it has 
happened, that, through the prejudice and ill-will of some, 
and from the want of better information in others, the 
genuine doctrines of true Quakerism have been perverted, 
and the Society most unjustly misrepresented as re- 
jecting the fundamental doctrines of the gospel of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Of this illiberal and ungenerous treatment, both the 
ancient and modern Friends have much cause to com- 
plain. It has been again and again practised towards 
them, from the infancy of the Society to the present 
period. — Thomas JEva?is, 1828. 

Believe nothing against another, but upon good authority. 



Tenth Month 24.] 



DAILY READINGS. 297 



11 And that they use this world, as not abusing it : for the fashion of this world 
passeth away.'"— 1 Cor. vii. 31. 

ALAS for the trials and temptations of this busy, 
changing, proud, perishing world ! and alas for 
those obliged to pass through its furnace ! — called to use, 
yet commanded not to abuse it ; to be " not slothful in busi- 
ness," " yet fervent in spirit ; " to be a citizen in its high 
places, yet maintain the failings of a pilgrim and a stran- 
ger ; to mingle in the pageant, without being conformed 
to its fashions, or governed by its motives, or anxious for 
its honors. Alas for such a one, were there no Divine 
Spirit to strengthen him with might in his inner man ; no 
compassionate Father to relieve his doubts, and fears, and 
sinkings of heart. * * * 

If I knew a friend so circumstanced, so peculiarly ex- 
posed to the snares and strife of the world's influence ; and 
if I felt for that friend the truest regard, joined to the most 
anxious interests ; and if I knew, too, that circumstances 
shielded me from much to which he was exposed, how 
sacred a duty would it seem, to bring before him glimpses 
of those truths which counteracting causes so tended to 
shut out, to venture to press home the absolute, the 
paramount importance of seeking first the Kingdom of 
God, his righteousness, his rewards, his pleasures, and his 
service. Oh ! how sacred a duty would it appear, to 
think of that individual in the retired hours of medita- 
tion, to garrison him with desires for his heavenly in- 
terests, prayers for his spiritual welfare. — Maria I. 
Jewsbury. 



298 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 25. 



M Train up a child in the way he should go : and when he is old, he will not 
depart from it." — Prov. xcii. 6. 

CHILDREN should be deeply impressed with the 
belief, that the first and great object of their edu- 
cation is to follow Christ, and, indeed, to be true Chris- 
tians ; and those things on which we, the Society of Friends, 
differ from the world in general, should not, I think, be 
impressed on them, by only saying, as is often done, 
"because Friends do it;" but singly and simply as 
things that the Christian life appears to us to require, 
and that therefore they must be done. 

They should also early be taught that all have not 
seen exactly the same ; but that there are many, equally 
belonging to the Church of Christ, who may in other re- 
spects be as much stricter than ourselves, as we are than 
they in these matters. But this does not at all lessen the 
necessity of oicr employing a simple mode of expressing 
ourselves, who are permitted to see the consistency and 
propriety of it. There is no set of people I feel so much 
about, as servants ; I do not think they have generally 
justice done them ; they are too much considered as an- 
other race of beings, and we are apt to forget that the 
holy injunction holds good with them, "Do as thou 
wouldest be done unto ; " and I believe that, in striving to 
do so, we shall not take them out of their station in life ; 
but endeavor to render them contented and happy in it. 
— Elisabeth Gurney Fry, aged 29. 

Let nothing be lost, said our Saviour ; but that is lost which is misused. 



Tenth Month 26.] 



DAILY READINGS. 299 



" He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust : 
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." — Psalm xci. 4. 

I AM not aware that the general state of things in 
our religious society has any especial effect on my 
mind. I have always been of the opinion that we have 
nothing to do with the public but by commission, and, 
when that commission is over, we may leave others, and 
should leave others, to their own Judge and Master. 
Still, I sometimes think that before commission there is a 
preparation for it, and if all were smoother with us than it 
now assuredly is, there might be a more general and in- 
dividual feeling of rejoicing ; but I think we must be care- 
ful not to give the character of prophetic sorrow to every 
casual feeling of mental depression that we cannot well 
account for. * * * 

If faithfulness be but the girdle of her loins, truth will be 
seen to be her buckler; but if pride — spiritual pride — 
creeps in for ourselves or our profession, no strength is 
given to wear that buckler, which can alone be worn in 
humility. It is a day when deep heart-searchings ought 
to be ours, without giving way to unprofitable discourage- 
ments, either for ourselves, our friends, or the church. 
* * * All we have to do, or can do, at this time or 
at any time, is to seek to mind our own business, which I 
believe is in great mercy yet made known to the simple- 
minded, and in doing which they are often permitted to 
know sweet unity of spirit with those who are in the one 
faith, dwell in the one Lord, and submit to be baptised 
by the one baptism. — Hannah C. Backhouse^ 1838. 



300 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 27. 



** And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye 
in it, when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left." — Isa. xxx. 21. 

"1VTOW, my dearly beloved ones, abide and walk under 
JL 1 this all-effective government of a righteous Saviour. 
Let every desire that would lead to transgression be 
checked ; every rebel thought subdued ; undue conformity 
to the world and its vanity surrendered ; and be ye all 
that the Lord would have you to be. Imitate the ex- 
ample of Moses, and make all things according to the 
pattern showed to you in the mount, even to the least pin 
in the tabernacle. This the true secret of Christian per- 
fection ; a standard hard to reach, but always to be fol- 
lowed. * * * I think it is under no sectarian feelings 
that I find myself penning that word Quakerism, I mean 
simply sincere, livi?ig Quakerism. I have reference chiefly 
to the well-known views always entertained by our Soci- 
ety, respecting the supreme, immediate, and perceptible 
government of Jesus Christ over the Church, by the influ- 
ence of the Holy Spirit. * * * The distinct whis- 
per of some private counsellor is perceptible to the ear ; 
but not more so than the still small voice of the Spirit of 
Christ. — J. J. Gumey. 



Oh ! for a finely tuned ear, 

The Shepherd's voice to hear and know, 
Both when it speaks distinct and clear, 

And when it whispers soft and low. 

—Jane Cbewdson. 



Tenth Month 28.] 



DAILY READINGS. 301 



" Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens 
with the saints, and of the household of God."— Eph. ii. 19. 

S~^\ RE AT is the privilege to be subjects of a well-or- 
V3T dered earthly kingdom, to partake of its benefits, 
and to enjoy its peace ; but incomparably greater is the 
privilege to any, in whatever outward position, humbly 
to believe that they are, through divine grace, subjects 
of Christ's spiritual kingdom, desiring above all other 
things to act in obedience to his laws, and to share his 
protection and favor. The world, even professors of re- 
ligion, may frown upon such and despise them ; it may 
deny them the title of Christians, and render their endeav- 
ors to yield allegiance to Christ a cause of persecution 
and temporal distress ; but if he speak pardon and peace 
to their souls, if they are permitted to feel the sustain- 
ing power of the love of God, bearing witness with their 
spirits that they are his subjects, they will be able to re- 
joice in the conviction, that, all unworthy as they are, 
Christ is truly their Peace-maker and King, and that of 
his kingdom and peace there shall be no end. 

Even if his heart is not right in the sight of God, man may 
possibly be an irreproachable subject of human govern- 
ment ; but if he is a faithful subject of Christ, he will not 
fail to be a good citizen, an exemplary member of the secu- 
lar community. Civil government regards him in his 
social external relations. If civil government attempt to 
consider, to influence, and to regulate the latter, it takes 
upon itself a charge for which it was not intended, and 
to which it is unequal. — John Allen , England, 1853. 



302 DAILY READINGS. 



[TeKth Month 29 



" My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding ; 
That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge."— 
Prov. v. 1, 2. 

EETIREMEISTT of mind is such an excellent situation, 
that I can but recommend it to the youth. May 
they often retire alone, and rather choose it to be so, than in 
such company as may have a tendency to hurt. Young- 
people who are inexperienced are often drawn into thing? 
highly improper, if not offensive, in the sight of heaven, 
for want of keeping on their guard in this very spot ; 
whereas if they did but love silence, and to hearken to 
the monitions of Divine grace in their own hearts, they 
would grow up in good liking, yea, in favor with God 
and man. * * * 

I have felt a secret hope that there is a reviving, and 
that the Most High will yet show himself strong in behalf 
of the sorrowful few who have indeed hung their harps 
as upon the willows. There is a precious visitation of 
divine love extended to the youth, and many of them are 
under the humbling, forming hand, who, if they abide 
patiently under the holy fan and fire, will be made in 
the Lord's time useful and honorable in their generation, 
for the rebuilding of the walls of Zion, that are in many 
places so sadly broken down, and repairing the breaches 
that are so conspicuous. 

Oh ! what an unspeakable privilege they enjoy w^hose 
foundation is on that Rock against which " the gates of 
hell cannot prevail." — Rebecca Jones, 1785. 



Tenth Month 30.] DAILY READINGS. 303 

" So are the paths of all that forget God ; and the hypocrite's hope shall per- 
ish."— Job viii. 13. 

COME ! try your faith — all you professors of godli- 
ness, of God, and of Christ, who say God is your 
Father, and Christ your Redeemer, and that you believe 
in God, and are saved through faith in Christ. Come ! 
search the ground and bottom of your faith, upon what 
it is built ; for the faith and hope of the hypocrite perish, 
which stand in words, and on an unsteadfast foundation. 
You say you are saved by the blood of Christ, and by 
His stripes you are healed, and so would make Him 
the ground of your faith. But from what are you saved? 
and of what are you healed? Search within, and see. 
Christ came to save and redeem sinners from their sins 
and to heal them of its wound, to bruise the serpent's 
head, to bind the strong man and cast him out of his 
house ; and to open the prison-doors, to set at liberty the 
imprisoned, and to lead captivity captive ; to cast anti- 
christ out of the temple of God, who sits there as God, and 
says he is God. And Christ came to rend that veil of 
darkness, to open the eyes of the blind, and to unstop the 
deaf ears, and to make blind those that can see, and to 
make deaf those that can hear ; to give strength to the 
weak, and to make weak those that are strong ; to feed 
the hungry, and to famish that which is fed ; to make a 
separation betwixt the precious and the vile, betwixt the 
wheat and the tares, the sheep and the goats ; and to 
purchase to man that which man has lost. — James Par- 
nell. 



304 DAILY READINGS. 



[Tenth Month 31 



" Therefore remove sorrow from thy flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity." 
— Eccl. xi. 10. 

BUT though thus inheriting the privileges of rural 
retirement, and the simplicity of pastoral life 
educated, too, in the principles of an excellent Christian 
profession, yet that interesting and dangerous portion 
of my life, between leaving school and manhood, was 
strongly characterized by the sins and follies to which 
youth and inexperience are so peculiarly liable ; whilst 
its succeeding stages, even the most happy and favored 
of them, have, in my own view at least, been remarkable 
for their weakness, unworthiness, and vicissitude, so 
much so, that throughout the whole of my probationary 
course there have been certain critical and eventful pe- 
riods, wherein my sufferings of body and mind have been 
such as to leave me but just in possession of life and 
sense. Yet on this solemn retrospect, I find nothing to 
complain of but fallen self, acted upon by a delusive 
world, and an unwearied spiritual adversary. I would 
not therefore " charge God foolishly," seeing that in all, 
and through all, His kindness and forbearance towards 
me have been extended in a manner equally unmerited 
and incomprehensible to my own understanding; and 
like many other parts of His government, both in nature 
and grace, they appeared to admit of no other possible 
solution than is to be found in the scriptural declaration : 
the ways of the Lord, are higher than our ways, and 
His thoughts than our thoughts. — Jonathan Hutchinson, 
1809. 



Eleventh Month 1.] 



DAILY READINGS. 305 



" Doth not wisdom cry ? and understanding put forth her voice ? Unto you ; 
O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men." — Prov. viii. 1, 4. 

AS many words of our own prevent our hearing 
distinctly the outward voice of others, so do the 
cogitations of the mind prevent our distinguishing those 
spiritual motions, and hearing that still small voice by 
which our individual religious duties are discovered to 
us : therefore the necessity of silence in both cases. As 
it is perfectly consistent with every divine attribute, that 
there should be, so I verily believe there is, one immediate 
spiritual intercourse between the soul of man and its Crea- 
tor, by which communication his soul is introduced into 
unity with its Divine source, and into sympathy with its 
fellow-creatures — is informed, chastised, or comforted, suf- 
fers or reigns, according as its state and the state of others 
may require. 

It seems as if there was at times an exercise on behalf 
of others produced in the mind, which, like the wind that 
bloweth when and where it listeth, cometh on and goeth oil 
we scarcely know how, and yet the sound of it is heard 
with sufficient clearness to warrant our moving under its 
influence in religious endeavors to promote the glory of 
our Creator, and the spiritual good of mankind. — Jona- 
than Hutchinson^ 1808. 



'* Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars ; she 
hath killed her beasts ; she hath mingled her wine ; she hath also furnished her 
table. She hath sent forth her maidens : she crieth upon the highest places of 
the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; as for him that wanteth un- 
derstanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine 
which I have mingled.' 1 — Prov. ix. 1-5. 



306 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eleventh Month 2. 



41 The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much. 11 — Jame* 
v. 16. 

OTHOU Lord God Almighty ! in the conclusion of 
our solemn assemblies we reverently crave ability 
to return unto Thee our humble thanksgiving for Thine 
abundant mercy, and above all for the blessed and glori- 
ous hope of everlasting life, through our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ. And in deep self-abasement we beseech 
Thee to forgive all our iniquities, and to blot them out 
for ever in the atoning blood of the Lamb ; and that our 
names may be found written in the Lamb's book of life, 
even when the book shall be opened, and when all the 
children of men shall be judged according to their works. 
And now, glorious Lord, we beseech Thee to pour forth 
of Thine own holy and eternal Spirit upon this assembly, 
that all may be brought very near to Thee, our Father 
and our God, and very near one unto another, in the unity 
of thy Spirit, and iu the love of the everlasting gospel; and 
grant, we humbly pray Thee, that Thine own pure eternal 
truth, in its simplicity and its power, may rise into full 
dominion, and that in the humiliation of every heart we 
may confess that unto Thee, O God our Father, the Crea- 
tor of heaven and earth, and unto Thy well beloved Son, 
and unto the Holy Spirit, the Teacher and Sanctifier of 
thy children, one true, living, incomprehensible God over 
all, belong and must be ascribed, all honor, power, domin- 
ion and praise. O, the glorious oneness of Thee, thou 
eternal Jehovah ! blessed and glorified be Thine ever ex- 
cellent name. — J. J. Gurney, 1838. 



Eleventh Month 3.] DAILY READINGS. 307 

" And he cried unto the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree, which when 
he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet : there he made for 
them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them. 1 '— Exod. xv. 25. 

IT pleased Him to lead me as into the wilderness, 
and to give me a sight of my former disobedience 
and folly. O ! the bitterness and distress that covered 
me when I was alone or in meetings. I experienced but 
few pleasant draughts of his love, my meat was gall and 
wormwood, and my drink of the bitter waters of Ma- 
rah.* * * Oh ! these were times of baptism never to be 
forgotten in mutability.* * * In this state I was through 
adorable mercy released, and was comforted with a sight 
and feeling of inexpressible happiness and joy. O, the 
sweetness I then felt, in being favored with such an evi- 
dence of the goodness and mercy of God; it far surpass- 
ed everything I had ever experienced, and was such that 
I hope to bear it in remembrance as long as I have my 
being here. Blessed for ever be the name of the Lord, 
though he sees meet for our refinement to try us even to 
an hair's breadth, yet in our utmost extremity, his all- 
powerful arm is made bare for our deliverance, if we 
dwell alone and keep our spiritual ear attentive to Him, 
who is the unchangeable High Priest of his people : and 
with whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowl- 
edge, who knows the states of all his children, and when 
and where he leads them, graciously affords ability to fol- 
low, to the praise of his ever adorable name. — Wm. Sa- 
very, 11 SI. 



308 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eleventh Month 4. 



" I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with 
the right hand of my righteousness."— Isa. xli. 10. 

I KNOW it is humiliating to be the object of scorn 
and censure, but the disciple is not to be above 
his Master, nor the servant above his Lord. I believe it 
is right that this thing should befall thee, that thou might 
become more vile and base in thy own sight ! With all 
thy low times and thy complaining language, and the pecu- 
liarities of thy trials and provings, thou art a favored 
man, and if it be not thy own fault, I believe thou wilt be 
more and more so. Watch and be sober. Do not be 
carried away out of thy own sphere, by the vortex of 
another. Do not allow thyself liberty according to the 
liberty of another. Keep to thy own exercise, wear thy 
own concern till the right time for casting it off. If thou 
hast a little burden of a word to drop in the simplicity, 
look not at the bulk of it, but at its weight ; drop it 
where thou think it best so to do, and there bound any 
reflections of thy own about it. If thou hast done well, 
thou wilt be accepted and feel the acceptance ; if other- 
wise, the rod and reproof in thy own bosom will give 
wisdom against another time, and thou wilt be as a child 
left to himself, which bringeth his mother (the church) to 
shame. * * * There has been too much of a crying out, 
help, help, among the laborers, one to another, instead 
of waiting in a sense of their own helplessness for the 
help of the Lord Almighty. — Richard Shaekleton, 1781. 

Patience is a virtue everywhere. 



Eleventh Month 5.] DAILY READINGS. 309 

" For we have not an high-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of 
our infirmities. 11 — Hebrews iv. 15. 

HOW infinite is the condescension of that precious 
Saviour who helpeth our infirmities, and is touched 
with a feeling of them ; aiding the mind with a degree 
of holy confidence, and after all its apparent exclusions, 
from the participation of divine good, once more to look 
towards His holy habitation. And as it is through suffer- 
ings that our natures are refined and sanctified, they 
must not be of our own choosing, because the suffering 
might then, in a great measure, cease, and that necessary 
heat which attends the furnace of affliction, and which 
purifies the mineral, get quenched, for so depraved are our 
ideas of things that I have thought, and in some mea- 
sure felt, that even in our baptisms of spirit we would 
wish to have a choice, so active is self that it cannot 
be satisfied without a sphere to move in. * * * He 
who placeth the members of His church, and appoints 
them their lots, does not leave their support to flow through 
corrupt sources, but maketh their steps, and, perhaps 
quite hiddenly, confirms the feeble knees, and leadeth 
them in a way they know not. My mind is frequently 
too much depressed, and sometimes tossed with tempests, 
to admit a consolatory sentiment, much less to offer my 
friend the language of encouragement ; nevertheless I 
cannot help expressing my firm belief, that all thy troubles 
will work together for good ; and the deeper they are, 
the greater will be the preparation for a glorious reward 
in the house of the one Father. — Sarah Grubby 1780. 



310 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eleventh Month 6. 



" Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the 
throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with 
judgment and with justice, from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the 
Lord of hosts will perform this. 11 — Isa. ix. 7. 

WHEN the Christian dispensation was about to be 
introduced into the world, its near approach 
was proclaimed by John the Baptist, the immediate fore- 
runner of Christ, in these words, "The kingdom of heav- 
en," or, "The kingdom of God, is at hand." * * * 

This great event had long been expected by the Jews. 
Their prophets had predicted it from one generation to 
another ; its glory and privileges, and pre-eminence had 
been often pointed out; but the mode of accomplishment 
was not clearly denned nor understood. When Christ 
spoke to his disciples of his approaching sufferings and 
death, even one of themselves replied, under the expecta- 
tion of an outward kingdom : " Be it far from thee, 
Lord ; this shall not be unto thee." And after his cruci- 
fixion, being ignorant of the nature of his intentions, they 
anxiously inquired of him, " Lord, wilt thou at this time 
restore the kingdom of Israel ? " As the King of the 
Jews, he was arraigned before Pilate ; and when this 
governor demanded of him the truth of the charge, he 
answered : " My kingdom is not of this world ; if my king- 
dom were of this world, then would my servants fight, 
that I should not be delivered to the Jews ; but now is 
my kingdom not from hence ;" and he added : " Thou 
sayest truly I am a king ; to this end was I born, and for 
this cause came I into the world, that I might bear wit- 
ness to the truth." — John Allen England, 1853. 



Eleventh Month 7.] DAILY READINGS. 311 

" O wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver me from the body of this death 
1 thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."— Romans vii. 24, 25. 

THE first vocal prayer I remember having uttered, 
was extorted from me by distress, when in a kneel- 
ing attitude I was preparing to cut some hay for cattle. 
The purport of it may serve to show the darkness and 
doubt of the heart from which it burst, like water from the 
rock when smitten by Moses ; it was brief, being com- 
prehended in these few emphatic words : " If there be a 
God in heaven, I pray Thee help me." In a review of 
a remarkable visitation which he had experienced, he thus 
wrote, some years after its occurrence : " The visitation 
of Divine love and mercy, which thou wast favored with 
in thy lonely journey, appears to have been a very pre- 
cious one indeed, and has reminded me much of that which, 
as perhaps I have before told thee, about fourteen years 
ago, as I was riding alone, on a highway, completed, as 
I am willing to hope, a conversion which had previously 
been most unstable and wavering, or rather, shall I say, 
which had rescued me from the jaw of the lion and paw 
of the bear, and placed my poor soul in a capacity to en 
deavor to know and to do the will of God. Since that 
eventful crisis in my spiritual history, I think I have never 
absolutely turned my back on the way which appeared 
to be cast up for me, nor wilfully departed from my God. 
— Jonathan Hutchinson. 

An honest man is such without a law. 



312 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eleventh Month 8. 



11 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven 
and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and 
hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father ; for it seemed good in thy 
sight."— Matthew xi. 25, 26. 

BABES have been His messengers, and children have 
been His ministers, who in innocency have re- 
ceived the revelation of His Holy Spirit, by which the 
deep things of His law and of His glorious gospel of life 
and salvation have been revealed. And among these 
babes, who thus came to receive a knowledge of the mys- 
teries of the kingdom of God, by the working of His di- 
vine power, was this noble child, James Parnell, who was 
a vessel of honor indeed, and mighty in the power and 
spirit of Emmanuel, breaking down and laying desolate 
many mighty and strong holds and towers of defense, 
in which the old deceiver had fortified himself and his 
children. 

The diligence with which James Parnell labored, and 
the eagerness of the people to hear the Truth, are strik- 
ingly exemplified in the account of his services, the day 
after he arrived at Colchester. He went there on a 
seventh-day, and on the first-day preached the Truth to 
many thousand people — first in his own lodging, then 
in the steeple-house after the sermon, and then at a great 
meeting appointed on purpose, and after the meeting 
disputed with the town-lecturer, and another priest, in 
all which " the wisdom, power and patience of Christ 
appeared very gloriously," to the convincing of many 
who were witnesses of that day's work. — Stephen Grisp^s 
Testimony to James Parnell. 



Eleventh Month 9.] DAILY READINGS. 313 

" For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to 
pulling down of strongholds."— 2 Cor. x. 4. 

BUT how, I pray, did the primitive Christians main- 
tain their ground, yea, grow upon their adversa- 
ries (poor, naked men, and not of the greatest quality or 
capacity,) and finally vanquish cruelty itself, but by faith 
and patience ? Thus they converted executioners, over- 
came emperors and armies, and, by a successive course of 
meek and suffering integrity, turned the edge of the 
sword, quenched the flames of fire with their own 
blood, not the blood of their enemies, and, finally, this 
holy constancy translated them from the theater of 
slaughter to the palaces and diadems of princes. This 
brings to my remembrance a passage one author has in 
this book, to this effect : That " there is nothing a greater 
tarnish and withering to the Protestant cause, than the 
professors of it betaking themselves, and that early, to 
earthly powers and weapons to preserve and promote 
it," which are not the weapons of the apostolical 
warfare, and inconsistent with the nature, powers and 
glories of Christ's Kingdom; for the preservation of 
the Protestant religion stands in a spirit of true reforma- 
tion, as well in life as doctrine, as plainly decayed, if 
not lost ; and if to be feared for that reason, that God 
will blow upon all other ways of supporting it, espe- 
cially such as we thought a fault in our enemies in worldly 
arts and force. — H. Barclay. 

Associate with the wise. 



314 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 10. 

" Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away ? Then Simon Pe- 
ter answered him : Lord, to whom shall we go ?"— John vi. 67, 68. 



I 



OBSERVE, with concern, that the conflicts of- 



have terminated in a conclusion to leave the Socie- 
ty. Whatever they may think, I do not believe they 
will do better, though perhaps, to the natural part, an 
easier way. This conclusion is not, I think, either the 
result of prejudice or education, but (with such abilities as 
I possess) of a careful investigation of the subject, with a 
strong natural propensity towards greater liberty than 
consistency without profession allows; for the sake of a 
way less narrow, and perhaps partly aware and ashamed 
of my own deviations, than which nothing exposes us 
more to contempt, I have in early life wished I had not 
been born in the Society. 

In the folly and inexperience of my mind, I have said, 
I could not see the necessity of carrying a badge of Qua- 
kerism about me. And yet after all this, I have been in- 
duced from conviction to submit to part with things 
which I once highly valued, and to take up others which 
I equally despised. And though I am willing to grant 
that our inconsistencies may have been stumbling-blocks, 
yet I cannot believe our principles, with all the restraints 
that they impose, can ever become so in any other view 
than that wherein Christ crucified was to the Jews a 
stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness. — Jona- 
than Hutchinson, England, 1819. 

Excess is always hurtful. 



Eleventh Month 11 ] DAILY READINGS. 315 

11 And have no certain dwelling place.' 1 — 1 Cor. iv. 11. 

I COUNT it an infinite mercy that the Omnipotent 
God suffered not the thread of my life to be cut 
during the many years that I lived in disobedience to His 
holy will; and though often, by the operation of His 
grace, inwardly touched and convicted of my errors, and 
the veil so far rent from off my understanding as to let 
me see that I stooped on the brink of ruin, yet did I as 
often suffer the enemy of my soul again to darken my 
understanding and benumb my spiritual feeling. 

He saw meet to divest me of all things here below 
that were near and dear to me, and left me no inheritance 
on earth but His own Providence ; and like Himself, when 
in the prepared body, and His immediate followers, He 
made me to have no certain place of abode, yet did He 
raise up friends for me where I least expected them ; and 
when I was deprived of the care and help of my natural 
father and mother, He became a Father to me, and made 
others willing to act for me as though I had been their 
own offspring ; and no sooner did one friend seem to fail 
me, but there were others raised up in a fresh quarter, 
where He would have my lot to be cast. But my stub- 
born heart would often rebel against Him, and reason 
with Him thus : " Why am I come into this situation ? 
Why receive I Thy blessings, as at second hand, and must 
thank my fellow-mortals for all the temporal good I re- 
ceive ?" — Mary Peisley, Dublin, Ireland, 1737. 



316 DAILY READINGS. 



[Eleventh Month 12. 



"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." 
— Deuteronomy xxxiii. 27. 

THUS did I at times count myself the most miserable 
of all creatures, bereaved of all inward and out- 
ward comforts. The sorrow and anxiety of my soul was 
unspeakable, yea inconceivable by all that had not felt the 
like. But the Lord tried me if I would walk by faith and 
not by sight, following me through bushes and brambles, 
and in an untrodden path, to see if I could embrace 
religion with all its rigors and discipline, without its soul- 
gupporting consolations, to see if I could love and follow 
Him for the favors I had received without hopes of future 
reward : or if I could live on the commemoration of His 
beauty and excellency when He had drawn as it were a 
curtain between my soul and Him, so that no ray of light 
pierced through my benighted soul. * * * 

During the time of this my probation, there was made 
me an offer of a place in a worthy family in the neighbor- 
hood where I lived : this led me to seek counsel of the 
Lord. I was received with all kindness and respect, and 
wanted nothing this world could afford ; but I wanted 
the consolation of my Beloved and the light of His counte- 
nance ; all other enjoyments were embittered to me, and 
wanted the relish they otherwise would have had. And 
this I found to be a trial to me, to see if I could rest in 
the creature without the Creator ; which I could not do, 
blessed be the name of my God.— Mary Peisley, Ireland, 
1827. 



Eleventh Month 13.] DAILY READINGS. 317 

44 O death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy victory f" — 1 Cor. xv. 55. 

I AM in a very poor state of health, and with little 
probability of my being restored. My disorder is 
attended with very acute pain ; but blessed for ever be 
the name of my God, patience equivalent thereto has been 
administered. How it may be with me as to life or death, 
I cannot say ; but this is my greatest consolation, and 
such a one as is beyond the power of my tongue to ex- 
press, viz, that I have not spent my health and strength 
in the gratification of my passions or sensual appetites, 
but in some degree in the pursuit of that which now 
stands by me, and will go with me beyond the grave — a 
good conscience towards God, whose love I feel to flow 
in my soul in such a manner as to admit of no doubt that 
He is my friendL 

Believe me, brother, when I tell thee, at a time when 
dissimulation must vanish — at a season when we are best 
capable of knowing ourselves and judging of all things 
in the clearest manner — when the mists of the world are 
removed from before our eyes, and eternity presented to 
our view — at such a time as this I may tell thee, I am not 
afraid to die ; nor is the sound of mortality and eternity 
frightful in my ears. No, I cannot look on death as 
a king of terrors, but as a welcome messenger, who 
comes with a happy release from all my trials, temptations 
and afflictions, to summon me to an eternity of unmixed 
felicity — to that which I have most delighted in for 
years. — Mary Peisley, Ireland, 1747. 



318 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Mokth 14. 

M The King's daughter is all glorious within : her clothing is of wrought gold." 
—Psalm xlv. 13. 

BE attentive, therefore, dear Friend, to the motion of 
Light; suffer thyself to be girded by the holy 
girdle, and thy back will be strengthened for work, thy 
standing will be pronounced sure by thy stability, and 
thy head will be covered in the day of battle. I am not 
insensible how men are attacked by the grand enemy. 
If he fails when he have them in one position, he attempts 
to draw them from it to another, with a view to a better 
success. If the banner be over us, in the limitation as- 
signed the Guardian Angel of Preservation, let us keep 
under it, and we shall be secure ; the enemy will not be 
able to prevail against us, when we have the glorious 
fence of the Lord's appointment. 

There are seasons when the affectionate part is up in 
man, and purposes things agreeable to nature in our- 
selves, that we are ready to comply with. This sometimes 
makes the way intricate to ourselves, for when we bring 
it to the standard to be tried, it is deficient in weight and 
purity, and will not pass the trial before the Judge. I 
have missed in this respect, therefore I drop the caution 
to my friends, to beware of giving expectation before it 
is tried in the balance of the sanctuary. Kings' children 
should always preserve their dignity, by taking heed 
how they mix among the people, and their associations 
and alliance ought to be with the royal lineage. In this 
the King of kings is honored, and our own dignity pre- 
served. — Samuel Neale, Dublin, Ireland, 1770. 



Eleventh Month 15.] DALLY READINGS. 319 

" To every thing there is a season, and time to every purpose under the hea- 
ven."— Pro v. iii. 1. 

I CANNOT but wish to spend a few weeks with 
thee, either here or at York, but as I am sensible it is 
not good for us to have our inclinations gratified at all 
times, I am desirous to be easy, and resigned to every- 
thing that may cross my natural propensities, that so, 
when affliction and probation may present themselves, 
which certainly will attend our pilgrimage through this 
uncertain stage of life, I may be the more strengthened to 
undergo these trying seasons with patience and fortitude. 
But I may conclude with the words, which thou hast re- 
peated before : " to will, is present with me ; but to do, 
I know not ; " for though this fortitude and resignation 
are things much to be desired, yet to be entirely given 
up to the will and disposal of a kind Providence is no 
easy attainment. Thou mentioned difference of our sit- 
uations ; and it would be ungrateful, if I did not consider 
and look upon my privileges as favors from indulgent 
Heaven, if I make a proper use of them. But it is the state 
of the mind that limits our happiness ; and alas ! it is the 
want of a sufficient care in the cultivation of my mind 
that is a means of obstructing that peace which it would 
be sweet to enjoy. — Sarah Grubb, aged 16, 1772. 



I am sometimes able, with the eye of faith, to see and to grasp the assurance 
that one of those mansions our Saviour went to prepare is opened for me ; but 
while in the body faith is often weak. — Moses Bedee. 



320 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 16 

" Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make rulex 
over his household."— Luke xii. 42. 

MAY I without offense refer to the infirmities at- 
tendant on old age, and our experience of them 
— how distressing with every alleviation that money can 
purchase or friends administer ? To the same, or to a 
greater degree of suffering are so many of our fellow- 
creatures, older and more infirm than ourselves, subjected 
- — wretchedly lodged, scantily as well as meanly fed, with- 
out a friend to pity or assist them ; in want of clothes, 
food and fire, without the means to keep their apparel 
clean, if they had it ; with little to supply all their wants. 
Though so unequal the dispensations of the present life, 
these are equally with us the objects of redeeming love, 
equally interested in the benefits of the suffering, the 
death and the mediation of Jesus Christ, our common 
Saviour. Should we not consider who made us to differ 
from them, and what have we that we did not receive ? 
Is not that we have received and do not want, the pro- 
perty of those who do want and have it not ? Is it not com- 
mitted to us as stewards for the poor who often are inca- 
pable of managing for themselves ? For these and other 
talents entrusted to us for improvement we must very 
soon give an account. Our time of life justifies our con- 
sidering what we now offer as an evening sacrifice, which 
will not be the less acceptable because intended for those 
who cannot thank us, and to continue to their successors 
when we and all ours shall be extinct. — Richard Rey- 
nolds, Bristol, England, 1813. 



Eleventh Month 17.] DAILY READINGS. 321 

M No man knoweth of his sepulcher into this day.' 1 — Deut. xxxiv. 6 

SHE is a sprightly, sensible woman ; but would suit 
my taste much better, if more of the diffident, the 
humble, the simple entered into her composition. And 
even true genius and literary accomplishments receive a 
softness and luster from these qualities highly ornament- 
al. I hope I am not apt to force the subject of religion into 
conversation, (like poor Saul, who would have the proph- 
et conjured up for him ;) but let advanced age, experi- 
ence, and parental affection say, religion, my dear child, 
is the safety, the happiness, the glory of human nature. 
By its sanctifying virtue natural and improved abilities 
are kept in due subjection, regulated and directed to use- 
ful purposes ; by this we have counsel and wisdom in 
intricate concerns ; by this we have counsel, and resource, 
and consolation in distress ; and by this we have (the 
greatest of all favors) the evidence, the assurance, earn- 
est of a happy immortality. Aspire after the knowledge 
of it, my dear daughter ! with all thy acquirements, en- 
deavor to acquire this. Remember Moses was exceeding 
fair, who had the education of a court to polish his man- 
ners, who was wise in all the learning of the Egyptians, 
and whose poetical talents are left on record in his song ; 
yet had he given preference to these qualities in his heart, 
he would never have been the leader of the Lord's people 
through the Red Sea and the wilderness. So though no 
man knows where the visible part of him was buried, 
yet his memory lives and preaches loudly to us to this 
day. — Richard Shackleton, 1787. 



322 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 18 

" But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection : lest that by any 
means, when I preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."— 1 Cor. ix. 27. 

MY birthday. To have spent thirty-three years in 
this world feels an awful consideration. The 
knowledge of having fallen very short of duty humbles 
me under a sense of that goodness which has been merci- 
fully near during many stages of the wilderness journey, 
preserving in infancy, guarding in childhood, upholding 
through the slippery path of youth, and offering in ma- 
turity the sustaining consolations of love, which has in 
a measure operated as a power capable of subduing all 
things to itself. * * * 

We drank tea at a Friend's house, where was a young 
person who lived in London, and was once an acknowl- 
edged minister; but through unwatchfulness of some 
kind, the cruel Adversary has laid waste what was no 
doubt rightly begun and happily advancing. In a relgious 
sitting after tea, she was powerfully reached, and, under 
the ministry of reconciliation and earnest entreaty to 
believe in the sufficiency of that power which would yet 
" open before her the two-leaved gates, and cut in sunder 
the bars of iron." 

How often do I fear that through some snare or other, 
after having preached into others, I myself may become 
a castaway. May Omnipotence defend, and rather cut 
the thread of my life than suffer me to bring dishonor 
upon a cause which at the present moment I prefer to 
riches, length of days, or any worldly consideration. — 
Charlotte Dudley, London, 1812. 



Eleventh Month 19.] DAILY READINGS. 323 

" There is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take 
hold of thee."— Isa. lxiy. 7. 

" For who is this that engageth his heart to approach unto me, saith the 
Lord?"— Jer. xxx. 21. 

AMONG some confused thoughts I have had on 
these Scriptures, this was one : that, for the bet- 
ter stirring up and engaging the heart to approach unto 
God, it might be useful for a believer to be very punctual 
in observing all the passages of Divine Providence 
that concern him, and those related to him, for whom he 
is making daily supplications and putting up petitions ; 
and that these, for the better remembering of them, be 
written down and often perused. So the Lord appointed 
Moses, Exod. xvii. 14, for a memorial of Amalek's de- 
struction, to write it in a book, that it might be rehearsed 
to Joshua. It is observable here that it was Joshua who 
was general when Amalek was defeated, and yet it must 
be written in a book to be rehearsed to Joshua. Why ? 
Because God would have him hereby engaged upon every 
remembrance of this victory, and lest it should be for- 
gotten it must be written. 

My thoughts have stayed a little upon this subject. I 
resolved to set down shortly what I could remember of 
the Lord's dispensations towards me, both of mercies and 
corrections, having weakly sought of Him that this 
means may be blessed and prove effectual for the enga- 
ging of my barren and backsliding heart to Him, never 
to depart from Him any more! — Alexander Jaffray, 1650. 



324 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 20. 

" Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be accepta- 
ble in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.'" — Psalm xix. 14. 

SHALL I tell thee that I have a little vocabulary of 
words and phrases, which I believe, as to the sense 
in which they are commonly used, want a more careful 
revision and correction then they generally obtain ? Fate 
or fortune, with its various combinations, accident or 
chance, infinite, and some others, seem to be often so 
misapplied and perverted as, in the true spirit of heathen- 
ism and infidelity, to give an imaginary importance to 
shadows, and this too by the senseless and affecting exclu 
sions of a Providence, not only from His general super- 
intendence, but from those particular cases wherein He 
might rationally be recognized and ought devoutly to be 
acknowledged. 

There is also a practice in the higher circles of social 
intercourse, with which I have a decided controversy. I 
mean that hyperbolical form of speech which probably 
originated among the rich and learned, and from them 
descended into the ranks of humbler life, so that now, in- 
stead of being " pleased with a feather, tickled with a 
straw," we hear of people being transported to ecstasy 
from no higher causes ; and should a shower prevent a 
morning's walk, a slight pain or unwelcome tidings 
abridge any earthly enjoyment, they cannot stop at dis- 
appointment or uneasiness, low and insipid expressions 
— their nobler spirits must take a bolder leap. — Jonathan 
Hutchinson, 1825. 



Eleventh Month 21.] DAILY READINGS. 325 

"Is like nnto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of 
his treasure things new and old.' 1 — Matt. xiii. 52. 

SOME persons who take up this volume may think 
that the frequently repeated relations of experien 
ces, nearly similar, are tedious to be read, but it may bo 
doubted whether such critics will be found among the 
hungry souls, or the abased ones. These w r ill recollect 
that, in like manner as the wants of the body recur from 
the same existing cause, and are relieved by similar 
means, the general wants of the soul also arising from the 
operation of causes which are long permanent, w r ill con- 
tinue to require a supply of the same remedies. These 
also will be likely to perceive that, even in the sameness 
of the feelings of the writer, there is a life which not only 
prevents satiety, but which diffuses animation of her 
soliloquies, in which may be discovered the humble per- 
severance of a quickened mind. * * * 

It is to be hoped that, among the various descriptions 
of readers into w r hose hands these sheets may fall, the 
newly awakened may derive encouragement to yield up 
their wills to the requirings of the Lord, by observing 
how much is exemplified by that description of the ways 
of wisdom : "Her w r ays are ways of pleasantness, and all 
her paths are peace." And the deliverances from tempta- 
tion, the consolations in affliction, and the support in tri- 
als here recorded, may animate the more experienced trav- 
eler to hold on his way, trusting to the Lord alone, to 
nothing short of the arm of Omnipotence. — S. Waring's 
Preface to the Life of Mary Waring^ London, 1810. 



326 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 22. 

14 Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of 
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset 
us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."— Heb. xii. 1. 

AS the traveler in a desert rejoices to find the way- 
marks of former pilgrims, and is strengthened 
and encouraged when he can trace the footsteps of those 
who have gone before him, so may the pilgrims of Canaan, 
the travelers to a " better country," delight to trace the 
pathway by which their brethren and sisters have been 
led, through this land of shadows, to their heavenly eter- 
nal rest. It is with this view that the following imperfect 
account of a beloved sister is presented to the reader. * * 
May some of her brethren and sisters in religious pro- 
fession have their faith a little confirmed in the truth of 
those principles which she with them professed, and 
which were dear to her to the last ; and may Christians of 
every name recognize, in this cross-bearing and cross- 
wearing follower of the Lamb, another added to the cloud 
of witnesses, to the truth and faithfulness of our God — 
the love and mercy of our Saviour. May it tend to the 
encouragement of those whose faces are set Zionward, and 
yet whose hands are ready to hang down, that instruc- 
tion may be reaped by these from the instruction of her 
whose short life was marked with trials and deep prov- 
ings, but enabled from season to season to rejoice in them, 
and all rejoicingly to look forward to the land of perfect 
rest and peace, where temptation cannot approach, and 
the billows of affliction roll no more. — From Memoir of 
Mary Ann Gilpin, London, 1832. 



Eleventh Month 23.] DAILY READINGS. 327 

" He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much. 1 '— Luke 
xvi. 10. 

MARY ANN" GILPEST, when at home, very early 
exercised a watchful care over her brothers and 
sisters, and in simplicity endeavors to bring them to walk 
in wisdom's paths. She had a way peculiarly her own to 
convey to the different members of her family the counsel 
or admonition she thought it right to give them. 
Often has she checked the rising evil tempers of her 
younger brothers when striving together, by the gentle 
repetition of some lines such as these : — Remember 

" He that condescends the most, 
Remains the victor still. 1 ' 

And when those about her own age had, in her view, 
yielded to temptation, or given way to angry feeling, or 
suffered the ever watchful adversary to gain the mas- 
tery, a little note laid on the dressing-table would con- 
vey a sister's faithful warning : My dear brothers and 
sisters : Let me entreat you always to begin and end the 
day with prayer ; in the morning seek direction to act 
rightly during the day. I have found from experience 
that I can, of myself, do no good thing, or even think a 
good thought — and do you not find it to be your case also ? 

Most affectionately do I entreat you all to give up your 
whole heart unto the Lord ; and whilst endeavoring under 
His direction to perform the duties of this life, never to 
forget to prepare for another, even in what are termed 
little things ; but remember the ichole heart must be surren- 
dered. — Memoir of Mary Ann Gilpin, London, 1831. 



328 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 24 

" But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise ; 
and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things 
which are mighty. 11 —! Cor i. 27. 

LET no reader be so fastidious as to contemn the 
simple style of George Fox. 
Though unlettered, he possessed a sound judgment 
and a quick apprehension. But had he been, and were 
many more of the advocates for the inward light of Christ, 
and for a self-denying life, deficient in acuteness of un- 
derstanding, this would not detract from their virtue, 
nor from the purity and excellence of religion. If the 
offices of religion are often filled by persons not distin- 
guished by superior mental acquisitions, one cause of it 
may be the too frequent refusal of talents and learning 
to bend in subjection to the humbling power of the Cross. 
It seems difficult to quit this subject, without expressing 
an ardent wish, that, amidst the career of prosperity, 
and the captivating charms of indulgence, some reader 
may be found, who may be willing here to pause ; to 
consider with Barclay, " that the height of all happiness 
is placed in the true knowledge of God," and to inquire 
seriously of the divine witness in the heart : "ami really 
concerned to obtain and to preserve this knowledge, or 
is it the whole, or the chief business of my life to pursue 
things of a temporal nature. — B. Barclay. 



11 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge ; but fools despise wisdom 
and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the 
law of thy mother. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and 
chains about thy neck.' 1 — Prov. i. 7-9. 



Eleventh Month 25.1 DAILY READINGS. 329 

"Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, 
and gave gifts unto men.' 1 — Eph. iv. 8. 

BUT now a temptation of another kind began to in- 
terrupt me ; for, having had a reputation in that 
country, of an understanding at least equal to my educa- 
tion and years, when my aquaintances and others heard 
of my appearance in a public ministry, they expected 
something more from me than from some others, of 
whom they had not conceived the like opinion ; and I 
knowing the way of truth with me was not in the wis- 
dom and multiplicity of words, but in his own virtue 
and simplicity, and in a few sentences only, was not will- 
ing of myself to yield up my own imaginary honor on 
that account, and be exposed as a fool, in their way of 
judging. This affected me so that I became backward 
to appear when such were present, and sometimes neg- 
lected the proper time of the movings of the Lord in this 
calling; by which I retarded my growth therein, and 
was in danger of greater loss. But the Lord is just and 
merciful; and though He charged it as a failure, yet, 
by degrees, He helped me forward, though it was a long 
time before I got over it ; for it laid sometimes as a block 
in my way for many years after, remaining the unmoved 
cause of many a heavy load; which none knew, or could 
ease me of, but the Lord alone ; and if He had not ex- 
tended mercy I had yet been undone for ever. * * * 

O Lord, take pity on a perishing soul, borne down un- 
der a multitude of vile affections, trodden under foot by 
the insolence of the wicked one. — Thomas Story, 1690. 



330 D^ILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 26 

11 Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. 1 '— Dan. xii. 4. 

I MUST confess to the glory of God in my own self- 
abasement, and his bearing sway over my will and 
affection by his own power, wisdom and providence, I was 
at that time prevented from going to London to visit my 
brethren and friends there, according to my own desire 
and affection ; the Lord having then more work and 
service as well as suffering for me to go through in the 
country, and particularly in the county of Suffolk, before 
I might obtain my desire of going to London. Having 
had blessed and effectual service by the special assist- 
tance of the Lord's power in Norfolk and in High Suffolk, 
I must now be a sufferer in Low Suffolk, and bear my 
testimony for him, in a hard confinement and inhuman 
treatment in prison. In those days, among the exercises 
which befel several of us, whom the Lord so easily called 
and sent forth to preach the gospel of repentance unto 
life and salvation, w r e w r ere led and moved one while to 
run to and fro, that knowledge might increase among peo- 
ple, in the ways and dealings of the Lord ; another while 
to be taken and imprisoned, strictly confined, and severely 
used, and many times inhumanly and barbarously treated ; 
as the subsequent accounts may in part show ; also w r hat 
manner of spirit ruled and actuated some men under high 
professions of religion and Christianity ; and how un- 
christian they were in practice. But the power of the 
Lord our God supported and sustained us. — George 
Whitehead, 1655. 



Eleventh Month 27.] DAILY READINGS. 331 

" These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their 
robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."— Rev. vii. 14. 

/^ REAT indeed has been the travail of my soul in 
\OT secret for six months past. I could copy many 
things from my little diary which would convince mj 
friends that I have not been idle, and I have thought 
sometimes, if it was my Master's good pleasure to re- 
move me from my troubles here, the account of my time 
spent from day to day would witness for me ; for indeed 
I have been a mournful Jeremiah in and near Lon- 
don, and but little can I do but wait for those days to be 
over, and to hear this language : It is enough I have not 
drawn back from any labor which was clearly pointed out 
in my own land, neither do I find this charge against me here, 
though of late it has been a time of as deep searching of 
heart as ever my soul experienced. Yet after all, with deep 
humility I acknowledge I have not been faultless. 
What a hard thing it is, when plunged into the deeps, to 
be content in the will of God ; what a hard thing for the 
unsubjected will, wit, and reason of man to become a 
fool — one of no reputation. Truly I have thought my 
soul never was made so sensible of what the patriarch, 
prophets, and mournful sufferers in their day and genera- 
tion passed through, and of the agonizing pangs of Him 
unto whom the heathen was given for an inheritance, and 
the uttermost parts of the earth for a possession, who 
also gave His cheeks to the smiter and His face to them 
that plucked off the hair, who hid not His face from shame 
and spitting. — Thomas Scattergood, London, 1V98. 



332 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 28. 

" Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things 
wherewith one may edify another."— Rom. xiv. 19. 

THE journals of pious persons are some of the safest 
writings that can be put into the hands of young 
people, though they may contain little more than a reci- 
tal of the ways in which those worthies were led, and the 
difficulties which, by a simple attention and obedience to 
their heavenly guide, they surmounted — that is, practice 
upon principle, without embellishment. They are, how- 
ever, not likely to be very interesting to any but such as 
have their feet, in some degree, turned into the same 
way. If to those who seek more for amusement than in- 
struction, they are insipid, it is because we remain in- 
sensible of their turpitude ; it must be because they are 
become as our natural element, and we are so stupified 
and bewildered by them as not to regard them. 

One would think that they whose religious principles 
admit of a continuance in sin through this life, are not 
very likely, either sincerely to desire rescue from it, or 
to withstand the assaults of temptation in such earnest- 
ness as not to be overcome, but to consider their relapses 
into sin, (especially the sin which most easily besets them) 
as unavoidable, and to shun the depth of repentance 
which is necessary to its removal. — George Dylwin. 

The less form in religion, the better, since God is a spirit ; for the more 
mental our worship, the more adequate to the nature of God ; the more silent, 
the more suitable to the language of a spirit. — Wm. Penn. 



Eleventh Month 29.] DAILY READINGS. 333 

" But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Je&us 
Christ."— Cor. xv. 57. 

WHY should st thou be ready to lay down thy arms 
and retreat from the field ? It is a noble cause 
we have embarked in, and there is no doubt of victory if 
we humbly and industriously follow our holy Captain, 
seeino; that it is decreed that He and His followers shall 
have the victory. It is a time of suffering, and I look for 
little else. Can we expect to reign where the Master 
does not reign ? * * * 

May thou and I persevere m faithfulness through all our 
bunitings, tossings and afflictions, so that we may be 
favored with a safe landing at last on that peaceful shore 
where all sorrow will cease, and temptations will have an 
end, and where our wearied spirits will be for ever at rest. 
These aspirations I am in a degree brought to realize after 
a lapse of more than half a century. 

May the dear youths who have been enamored with the 
brightness of Divine power arising in their hearts " keep 
humbly their solemn feasts and faithfully perform all 
their vows." May the " north," through the softening in- 
fluence of holy animating love and life, be prevailed 
upon during the day of offered mercy to " give up," and 
the " south," in a state of faithful obedience to the Divine 
will, u keep nothing back," is my humble prayer. Then 
will your light go forth with encouraging brightness, and 
the clothing of Divine salvation on all the different classes 
in the family be conspicuously clear, " as a lamp that 
burneth." — Rebecca Jones, 1788. 



334 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 30. 

" In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up ; in the evening it is cut down, 
and withereth.'"— Psalm xc. 6. 

I SELDOM contemplate the life and writings of the 
apostle Paul but with a mixture of wonder, sympa- 
thy and delight, and even in my present views of them 
am ready to exclaim, O ! Christianity ! how do thy realities 
exceed the very fictions of romance ! Thou art indeed 
the potent alchymist, who changest human rock-work 
into man ; nor dost thou stop here, but after having thus 
converted him, by a further transmutation, peculiarly thy 
own, thou refinest him as silver is refined, and triest him 
as gold is tried, until, as the operations of thy furnace 
are submitted to, he at length cometh forth more pure 
than fine gold, yea than the golden wedge of Ophir. 

I stopped over first-day at Downham to my satisfaction, 
though the family in which I passed most of my time 
was in a state of mourning. Poor J. D. appeared to me 
quite in the latter stage of life. To behold a fine young 
man, in defiance of human efforts, encircled by whom he 
is tenderly beloved, thus gradually declining, was truly 
affecting ; and I never was more struck with the force of 
those Scriptural figures which compare frail humanity to 
withering grass, fading flowers, or a vapor that appear- 
eth for a little while and then vanisheth away, etc. O, 
Time ! if thou wert all, if our hopes and our prospects 
ended with thee, then might we sink into utter dismay. 
But thanks be to God, this is not our unhappy case. — 
Jonathan Hutchinson, 1824. 



Twelfth Month 1.] 



DAILY READINGS. 335 



lt Now the city was large and great ; but the people were few therein, and 
the houses were not builded."— Neh. vii. 4. 

WHO can calculate, who can appreciate the value to 
posterity of such a man as William Penn. 
Had ambition fired a Caesar to come and conquer an- 
other world — had madness touched a Napoleon to reach 
forth over our shores the truncheon of absolute command, 
how different, how widely different, would have been the 
issue! But the Quaker came — the gentle, unadorned, 
unaspiring Quaker, who, turning from the gaudy trap- 
pings of a monarchy, from a land where those of his faith 
found no resting place, sought, in the wilds of Western 
America, a refuge, and a home. He came, and the un- 
tutored Indian saw not the insignia of the warrior, heard 
not the words of the conqueror, but they beheld clad in 
the simplest, a form of majestic part, a brow whereupon 
seemed stamped the law of kindness. And he stood 
there in their very midst — the spot was nature's own, — 
the only auditors the untutored children of the forest, — 
and yet here was formed a treaty such as Christendom 
never saw, such as Prince and Potentate might come and 
look upon — a treaty ratified without an oath ! Pointless 
were the arrows of the red man, hushed was the voice 
of the Indian, as they listened to his words of truth and 
soberness. Years have rolled over us since that memor- 
able day, lost is the trace of the savage, and felled the lofty 
elm under which they stood ; but the government then 
and there formed, resting on the two great columns of re- 
ligion and virtue, still exists. — M JST. 



336 DAILY READINGS. 



[Twelfth MoXth 2. 



" Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name : bring an offering and 
come before Him : worship the Lord in beauty of holiness."— 1 Chron. xvi. 29. 

WERE the inquiry addressed to me, what is the 
lirst and most essential qualification for a right 
and spiritual worship of the Almighty, for such a wor- 
ship as would at once edify the creature and glorify the 
Creator, I should feel but little hesitation in replying, 
A deep humiliation and subjection of so id before the Di- 
vine Majesty. True worship may often be properly ex- 
pressed by the services of the life ; but it is, in itself, the 
homage which the soid offers to its Maker; it is the rev- 
erential communion of man with his God. Xow this hom- 
age can never be acceptably offered ; this communion 
can never take place in a right or perfect manner, until 
the mind of the worshipper is made in some degree sensible 
of the real relative situation of the two parties concerned 
— of himself and his God. The worshipper is the crea- 
ture ; the object of his worship is the Creator. The for- 
mer is finite, ignorant, weak, and helpless ; the latter is 
omniscient, eternal and omnipotent. The former, with- 
out grace, is fallen, sinful, and corrupt ; the latter is of 
a purer eyes than to behold iniquity. The former is ca- 
pable of receiving either wrath or misery ; the latter is 
able either to punish or to forgive. * * * 

In order, therefore,- to make acceptable approaches in 
spirit to the Almighty, it is abundantly evident that man 
ought to be humble. — J. J. Gurney, 



Twelfth Month 3.] 



DAILY READINGS. 337 

" The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger ; but they that seek the Lord 
shall not want any good thing."— Psalm xxxiv. 10. 

MY children are all subjects of joy and gratitude 
to me; I pray that thou and thy husband 
may be graciously preserved objects of Divine mercy and 
favor — that ye may ever dwell in the lowly valley, where 
the dew lies long, and there gather the fresh manna in 
your own vessels, little or much, according to your meas- 
ures ; if it be but little, if it be of the right kind, it will 
suffice ; no lack will be experienced. They that wait on 
the Lord will want no good thing. One grain of gold is 
better than a great deal of baser metal. 

I am sensible, my child, that the God of thy ancestors 
has visited thee ; be thou, therefore, humbled in soul be- 
fore him, and dedicated and devoted, in all thy faculties, 
to his service. Say not to the heavenly visitation, " Hith- 
erto shalt thou come, and no further ; and here shall thy 
waves be staid ;" but consign and resign thyself to the 
disposal of Him who knows best what is best for us, and 
will best answer His gracious purposes respecting us. 
Our great loss is, in that we are apt to be cutting and 
carving for ourselves ; and so, taking out of the Crea- 
tor's hand, (who made the world out of nothing,) we be- 
come as vessels marred upon the potter's wheel. The 
symmetry of the parts of the inward man, all its texture, 
and fabric, and features, would be right, and good, and 
proper, and the beauty of holiness conspicuous, if we left 
ourselves to be fashioned entirely according to the Di- 
vine Will. — Richard Shackleton, 1784. 



338 DAILY READINGS. [Twelfth Month 4. 

" If the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would 
come, he would have watched."— Matt. xxiv. 43. 

IN the noise and glare of a worldly life, how many 
false motives, how many erroneous opinions, may 
steal in and out of the heart unnoticed, and shape them- 
selves into action, and express themselves in words con- 
trary to the spirit of upright, self-denying religion, with 
an influence so silent and unobtrusive, that the individu- 
al is not aware of the deadening process going on within 
him. Business, just and lawful, necessary business, 
comes first, with its imperative claims upon the mass 
of his time, and the main strength of his mind; recrea- 
tion follows, and with the same plea of necessity, tithes 
the remaining portion ; physical nature, wearied, want- 
ing, overtasked nature, brings up the rear, and demands 
all that remains, with an urgency not to be parried or set 
aside. Such is the tread-mill round ; to such the inces- 
sant surrender of time, thought, and strength, to busi- 
ness, pleasure, and physical retirement ! — and there re- 
mains nothing for God ; nothing even for self, in the best 
sense, till sickness comes, or till death suddenly stalks in, 
breaks, like a giant, the bands that have fettered the soul 
to earth, brings the struggling captive into the presence of 
its Maker, teaches in a moment, and with an energy not 
to be gainsayed, that one forgotten necessary was, to 
learn to die ; that if many things were expedient, one 
was emphatically " needful ;" if many good, one was 
chief good, without which all else exerted an ensnaring 
and destroying influence. — Maria L Jewsbury. 



Twelfth Month 5.] DAILY READINGS. 339 

" I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word 
of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." — 1 John ii. 14. 

THERE is one class amongst us to which the com- 
piler would particularly recommend the perusal of 
this memoir, — the Young Men.* Surely they may see in 
the early dedication, and the steady perseverance of this 
faithful youth, a stimulus to increased exertion in the 
cause of truth and righteousness, if happily they have 
already given in their names to serve in the Lamb's war- 
fare. But, are there not those who may here read a re- 
proof for their lukewarmness in relation to the holy testi- 
monies for which James Parnell, through divine grace, 
was made willing to suffer, even unto death ? Oh ! may 
these hear the reproof, and be led to examine, with earnest 
desires for divine guidance, the foundation on which those 
testimonies are built. It is believed that such an exam- 
ination, if pursued in a right spirit, would lead them to 
the undoubting conclusion that our early Friends did not 
" follow cunningly devised fables," nor suffer for the riere 
opinions and notions of men, but that they were taught 
by the Spirit principles in accordance with immutable 
truth — principles which appear only the more bright, 
the more fully they are brought to the searching light 
of the Sun of righteousness. — Preface to Memoir of 
James Parnell, first martyr among Friends, at the age of 
18. 

* Henry Callaway. 



340 DAILY HEADINGS. [Twelfth Month 6. 

" Anions whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ. 1 '— Romans i. 6. 

MY heart from my childhood was pointed toward 
the Lord, whom I feared and longed after from 
my tender years ; wherein I felt that I could not be sat- 
isfied with, nor indeed seek after, the things of this per- 
ishing world, which naturally pass away ; but I desired 
true sense and unity with that which abideth for ever. 
There was somewhat, indeed, still within me, even the 
seed of eternity, which leavened and balanced my spirit 
almost continually ; but I knew it not distinctly, so as to 
turn to it, and give up to it, entirely and understandingly. 
In this temper of mind, I earnestly sought after the 
Lord, applying myself to hear sermons, and read the best 
books I could meet with, but especially the Scriptures, 
which were very sweet and savory to me ; yea, I very 
earnestly desired and pressed after the knowledge of the 
Scriptures, but was much afraid of receiving men's inter- 
pretations of them, or of fastening any interpretations of 
them myself; but waited much and prayed much, that 
from the Spirit of the Lord I might receive the true under- 
standing of them, and that he would chiefly indue me with 
that knowledge which I feel sanctifying and saving. — 
* * * * * Q & himself gave forth the sound, and 
great hath been the company of them that published it ; 
and our ears and hearts were opened by the Lord to hear 
the sound and know the Shepherd's voice. — Isaac Pen- 
ington, 1660. 



Twelfth Month 7.] DAILY READINGS. 341 

" In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the 
Word was God."— John i. 1. 

THE Word of God was in the beginning, before any 
creatures were made, and by it all things stand 
and remain unto this day. 

The Word endures for ever, and by it all things in 
heaven and in earth are brought to pass which God doth. 
It is from everlasting, without beginning and without end. 
It is powerful, dividing and discerning all things, even 
the secret thoughts of every man's heart. It is as a two- 
edged sword, and as a fire, and like a hammer, to cut up 
to burn, and to beat down. The Word of the Lord recon- 
ciles man again to Him, and His Word is in the mouth 
and in the heart. The servants of the Lord handled, tast- 
ed, saw and felt the Word of Life, and from it spoke forth 
the Scriptures, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 
through the Eternal Spirit. They are a declaration of 
the Word of Life, which was in the beginning and en- 
dures for ever, and declare what the saints received, be- 
lieved, and enjoyed. ISTone can understand without the 
same Spirit that gave them forth, and to such who have 
the same Spirit, the Scripture is profitable. * * * 

But many have the Scriptures that have not the Word, 
neither know it ; but they that have the Word cannot 
but own the Scriptures, and this is the truth as it is in 
Jesus, testified to all the world by us, who deny them 
that hereof give any other testimony. — Edward Bur- 
roughs London, 1667. 



342 DAILY READINGS. 



[Twelfth Month 8. 



14 If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, 
remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove ; and nothing shall be impos- 
sible unto you.'"— Matt. xvii. 20. 

I HAVE felt a satisfaction in it that is as a token for 
good, which has never yet deceived me, and is cause 
for much thankfulness, and also watchfulness, that we rest 
not in such things. Oh ! what pains and trouble I 
might have spared myself, had I acted up to my first clear 
impression on the subject. Child in religious experience 
and in knowledge of life ! if ever thou readest this, let me 
counsel thee, without being enthusiastic, not to throw 
away clear impressions, even with regard to the affairs of 
this world — affairs in which the worldly-wise, and per- 
haps even some of the good, may say faith has nothing to 
do. But I believe it often has to do with little things ; for 
as the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of 
men, so He who can see present and future at one glance 
may well see on what apparently trifling or indifferent 
things hangs much that is of great importance to his weak 
creature man. " In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and 
He shall direct thy paths." 

On First and Second day, my mind enjoyed a liberty, 
and something of the light of the glorious gospel which I 
often pant after. In each a religious engagement seemed 
peculiarly blessed to myself. The powers of the world to 
come — what an infant I am in the knowledge of them ! 
However, I believe it is now honestly all my desire, 
all my request, that I may have the direction of pure 
wisdom in everything. — Hannah C. Backhouse, 1825. 



Twelfth Month 9.] 



DAILY READINGS. 343 



M We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God."— Acts xiv. 
22. 

TEN" years had elapsed from the time when Elizabeth 
Dudley's sister Charlotte, then in her twenty-first 
year, had awaked to the consciousness of her moral respon- 
sibilities. During this interval she had, so to speak, lived 
on the border of the good land of promise ; and, wanting 
faith to enter the heart of the country, she had in conse- 
quence partaken but sparingly of its good fruits of peace 
and plenty. The happy effects of divine convictions, 
though for a time apparent, were again counteracted by 
sublunary objects, and whilst she esteemed religion as the 
one thing needful, she tried to attain its possession in an 
easier way than by taking up the cross to her natural 
inclination. 

This attempt was the source of much mental conflict 
for above ten years ; and when apparently in the midst 
of cheerfulness and enjoyment, and even spending her 
time in works of charity, her soul was distressed and 
sorrowful, moaning over its state of bondage and the 
absence of peace which, to use her own words, " she had 
willfully relinquished for the sinful trifles of time." 

The struggle between her own will and her sense of 
the divine command, seems to have reached its height in 
the autumn of this year, 1817. During her last illness 
she adverted to this period of trial, and said she went at 
that time from one place of worship to another, seeking 
to find an easier path than that which she felt to be the 
path of duty. — Charles Taylor, 1818. 



344 DAILY READINGS. [Twelfth Month 10. 

" But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut 
thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret ; and thy Father which seeth in 
secret shall reward thee openly. 1 '— Matthew vi. 6. 



THE blessing of health again shines upon our dwell- 
ing, and this morning all the individuals of our 
family assembled with those who profess to follow Jesus, 
and worship him in spirit and in truth. Profession, empty 
sounds ! the shadow without the substance ! Born and 
educated amongst those who profess the name of Christ, 
the child of believing parents, and as such surrounded by 
most valuable privileges, I have yet lived without God 
in the world for twenty years. Miserably infatuated by 
the transitory enjoyments of time and sense, and too ten- 
derly attached to the objects of my affection, my heart has 
hitherto excluded the Heavenly Visitor, to whose service 
it should be humbly dedicated, and by whom alone it 
should be engaged. 

Alone in my chamber, secure from human observation, I 
may, perhaps, without implication of a hypocrite, pros- 
trate myself before the Throne of Grace, and as an humble 
penitent, renouncing all hope but in a mercy free, unmer- 
ited, and infinite, acknowledging the sinfulness of my past 
life, and, trusting solely in my Redeemer's righteousness, 
implore the divine blessing upon the fervent and sincere 
desires of a heart but newly awakened to a sense of sin- 
ful misery. Author and guardian of my life, hear, in 
mercy hear, the language of supplication breathed from 
lips too long a stranger to prayer. — Charlotte Dudley, 
Clonmel, Ireland, 1807. 



Twelfth Month 11.] DAILY READINGS. 345 

" Though I speak with the tongues of man and of angels, and have not charity, 
I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 1 — 1 Cor. xiii. 1. 



THIS day I complete my thirty-eighth year. A large 
proportion of my life is now passed over ; and if 
the blessing pronounced by my dear mother, as she affec- 
tionately embraced me this morning, be but bestowed, it 
will be a favor indeed. Faith, love, and obedience cer- 
tainly ought to grow in a soil where so much cultivation 
has been bestowed ; but I never remember a period when 
I felt so little capable of ascertaining my spiritual condi- 
tion or understanding, whether I am advancing in the 
divine life, or losing ground. I wonder how it is I should 
be so frequently engaged to minister to and pray for 
others, even at times enforcing the necessity of that self 
examination which, on my part, seems unavailing. * * 
It is interesting to see real, heartfelt religion flourish 
amidst the shades of difference which outwardly distin- 
guish professing Christians ; and I believe more frequent 
intercourse among the spiritually-minded of all denomi- 
nations would increase our toleration for each other, by 
bringing under the influence of that charity which " seek- 
eth not her own," but "rejoiceth in the truth," wherever 
found. 

Yet it requires caution on the part of those who may 
not be fully established in our principles, in mingling 
with such as may lead to a greater dependence upon the 
" outward and visible signs " than is seen to be needful 
where the " inward and spiritual grace " is allowed to 
operate. — Elizabeth Dudley ', 1817. 



346 DAILY READINGS. 



[Twelfth Month 12. 



" Mercy and truth are met together ; righteousness and peace have kissed 
each other. 1 ' — Psalm lxxxv. 10. 

THE mercy of God is indeed inexpressibly great to 
us poor creatures, and humility, gratitude and 
fear ought to be our clothing, under the signal display 
of His kindness in sparing us this summer from the yellow 
fever, about which my fellow citizens were greatly intim- 
idated in the time of its usual approach. May my soul 
for ever bear in mind the Lord's goodness to me, a poor 
unworthy creature, in raising me again from the bed of 
languishing under that sore disease, in the year 1793. 
Just eleven years ago, was I seized therewith. 

Many of the contemporaries of my youth being by 
death and otherwise removed, I seem stript and lonely, 
and feel in no inclination to begin a new circle, so that 
with regret I shall pass with any more of the few who 
remain, with whom I have been united in the bonds of 
Christian fellowship, drinking together at the one inex- 
haustible fountain of love and life. 

That I am spared another year is indeed marvelous 
in my eyes. O Lord, my God ! be graciously pleased to 
look down with an eye of compassion upon me, now in 
my declining years, even as Thou, in Thy adorable good- 
ness and mercy, didst in the days of my youth, when 
but sixteen years of age. Thy gracious visitations of par- 
doning love, grace and salvation plucked my soul as a 
brand from the burning, cast a mantle of forgiveness 
and mercy over me, and with a powerful voice said unto 
me, live. — Rebecca Jones, 1805. 



Twelfth Month 13.] DAILY READINGS. 347 

" And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes 
unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sin- 
ner."— Luke xviii. 13. 

ON a view of the weakness and corruption of human 
nature, abstractedly considered, my poor mind 
has at seasons been brought to the border of despair, so 
that I have even been almost discouraged from lifting 
up either my eyes or my hands towards heaven by a 
fear of hypocrisy, and under a solemn consideration 
that the very thought of the wicked are an abomination 
to the Lord. Yet when by the humbling process I have 
become so far reduced as to prostrate myself at the foot- 
stool of Divine mercy, as a helpless sinner, my plea, 
though ofttimes a silent one, has not been rejected by 
the sinner's Friend. " He will regard the prayer of the 
destitute, and not despise their prayer." He has had 
compassion on me, and, blessed be His holy name, has 
raised the beggar from the dunghill, and permitted me 
to live again in His sight. And let not such an ex- 
perience as this appear strange to the reader, seeing 
no man can keep alive (unto God) his own soul. 

As the bullock unaccustomed to the yoke is generally 
impatient at its being laid upon him, so man under the 
early visitations of affliction, on the first restraints of 
the cross, is uneasy at their weight, and reluctant to bear 
them. — Jonathan Hutchinson, 1828. 

Be not fond, therefore, of praise ; but seek virtue that leads to it. 



348 DAILY READINGS. 



[Twelfth Month 14. 



*' For behold I create new heavens, and a new earth ; and the former shall 
not be remembered, nor come into mind. 1 '— Isa. lxv. 17. 

FOR nothing can regenerate, but that which made ; 
nor renew, but that which created ; and as the 
heavens are nobler than the earth, so is the soul than the 
body ; renovation and redemption, than our former life. 

This, reader, thou shalt come to know to be true as 
any demonstration that can be made to thy outward 
senses, if thou wilt but turn in thy mind to this Teacher, 
and wilt become the humble scholar of this divine Mas- 
ter, and learn of Him in true silence and with diligence. 

Ponder what I say. Wouldst thou know God, and be 
fitted for his heavenly mansions, seek him in his image 
and thou wilt know the original by it. Be thou but as clay in 
the hands of the potter, pliable, and he will form and fash- 
ion thee aright. He will make thee a vessel of honor for 
his own house and use; and by the self-denial, love, 
purity, patience, righteousness, etc., that He will work in 
thee, or work thee into, thou shalt be able to pronounce 
truly and knowingly God is, and He is, a rewarder of them 
that fear Him. Surely there is a God in all the earth. 
Then wilt thou be able to say with holy David and Mary : 
O, my soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me 
praise His holy name. My soul doth magnify the Lord, and 
my spirit rejoiceth in God my Saviour. — Robert Barclay. 

Bringing nothing for the payment, 
When I came for change of raiment, 
He did clothe me. 

—Jane Crewdson. 



Twelfth Month 15.] DALLY READINGS. 349 

" Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his."— 
Numbers xxiii. 10. 

IT was a beautiful bright day of sunshine, when his fa- 
vorite green Gedney looked greener than usual, 
that my late dear wife and myself attended the funeral 
of Jonathan Hutchinson. A great many friends were 
convened from different places, and the villagers of the 
place and neighborhood flocked in large numbers, and in 
their most decent dresses, to pay their last token of re- 
spect to " the best man of Gedney." " So the best man 
in Gedney is gone," said one poor laborer to another. 
" What ! " said the other, " is Mr. Hutchinson dead ? " His 
remains were deposited in a little family burying-ground, 
not very far from his own house, where his respectable 
though not wealthy predecessors had been laid in their 
turns during several generations. * * * 

Indeed,, it was truly remarkable with what skill this 
ardent and almost poetic lover of nature had contrived 
to adorn, by judicious planting, the small estate of rich 
pasture land which he inherited from his ancestors, who 
had possessed and occupied the same little farm as he did, 
for the period, as I understand, of above 200 years, never 
rising above or falling below the rank of reputable yeo 
men, and, since the rise of Friends, members of that re- 
ligious society. 

The good man was gone. The meek, kind, humble, gen- 
erous neighbor was no more, and many were they of every 
description who seemed ready to rally round his grave in 
the remembrance of his virtues. — J. J. Gumey, 1835. 



350 DAILY READINGS. [Twelfth Month 16. 

11 They that obey lying vanities forsake their own mercy."— Jonah ii. 8. 

AFTER endeavoring to do the best we can in pro- 
viding for, educating, and placing them out, we 
must leave our children to the Lord and their own con- 
duct, as after all our labors, and with the Divine blessing 
upon these labors, they may if they will, as some unhap- 
pily do, forsake their own mercies, and pursue a wrong 
course. Yet this consideration does not supercede the 
discharge of parental duty ; but it should, I think, tend 
to lessen unprofitable solicitude and vain anticipations 
of things, that may or may not ever happen, and whether 
they do or not, are quite beyond our control. So that 
after doing, more than thinking, what we can for our be- 
loved offspring, as every pious parent is concerned to 
do, commending them to the care of Israel's unslumber- 
ing Shepherd, there to their own determination we must 
finally leave them. * * * 

Strong and lively impressions are often made by a very 
few words, so that if we know how to extract it, we shall 
sometimes find the essence of long letters, long dis- 
courses, and large volumes, is comprised in a very small 
portion of it. Having been helped hitherto, let us be thank- 
ful for mercies past, and humbly hope for more ; rejoic- 
ing, if we can, in our present lot, and in everything giv- 
ing thanks. This may be, and I believe often is, a difficult 
attainment ; yet it is not impossible, through the aid of 
Him who is touched with a feeling of our infirmities. — 
Jonathan Hutchinson, 1825. 



Twelfth Month 17.] DAILY READINGS. 351 

" Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men." — 
Prov. iv. 14. 

MAY it afford a ray of encouragement to some 
poor weary traveler like myself, should these 
fragments be cast before the public, to show forth the 
Lord's wonderful dealings, his merciful interference to- 
wards me, in times of sore trial and conflict, both inward- 
ly and outwardly. 

My parents were members of the national church, and 
zealously engaged to bring up their children in the due 
observance of its religious rites and ceremonies, and eve- 
ry moral duty. About the 12th year of my age my father 
was induced to take the Three Tuns public house at 
Islington, and move there with his family. This change 
exposed me to great temptations. Being naturally of a 
volatile disposition, and early given to folly and vanity, 
now I was exposed to all sorts of company, both by day 
and late in the evening, carrying out beer to the customers, 
and gathering in the pots. First-days were generally the 
most busy days I had, being scarcely ever able to get to 
any place of worship. This, by long continued neglect, 
became a matter of the greatest indifference to me ; and 
my exposed situation in my father's family, open to al- 
most every vice, had nearly effected my ruin. My father 
being unacquainted with this business, and of an easy dis- 
position, by lending his property and other means, wast- 
ed what substance he had, and was obliged to quit this 
line of life. — TJiomas Shillitoe, 1766. 



352 DAILY READINGS. [Twelfth Month 18 

11 Can two walk together except they be agreed ?"— Amos iii. 3. 

MY new companion took me to the most fashionable 
tea-gardens and other places of public resort. 
This led me to give greater latitude than ever to my 
natural inclination. Still I continued to attend Friends' 
meetings on First-day morning, but spent the remainder 
of the day in pleasure. The retrospect did not produce 
those comfortable feelings which I wished. * * * 

Feeling a decided preference to the meetings of 
Friends, I continued my attendance ; also in the attendance 
of afternoon meetings. The more faithfully I gave up to 
these impressions of duty, the more my desires increased af- 
ter an acquaintance with the Almighty and the knowledge 
of His ways. Earnest were my prayers, that in this day of 
His powerful visitation, in mercy renewed to my soul, He 
would not leave me, nor suffer me to become a prey to 
my soul's adversary — that His hand would not spare, 
nor his eye pity, until an entire willingness was brought 
about in me to cast myself down at His holy foot-stool. 
As resignation was thus wrought in me, to yield to the 
purifying operation of the Holy Ghost and fire, that 
the fan of God's word and power should effect the 
necessary separation between the precious and the vile, 
corresponding fruits were brought forth in me, and mani- 
fested in my outward conduct. My old companion con- 
sidered me no longer a fit one for him, and our intimacy 
ceased. — Thomas Shillitoe, 1767. 



Twelfth Month 19.] 



DAILY READINGS. 353 



44 Knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and 
experience hope."— Rom. v. 3, 4. 

FRESH trials awaited me. The knowledge of my 
attendance at Friends' meetings reached the ears 
of my parents, who manifested great displeasure. My 
father took an opportunity to dissuade me to leave the 
meetings of Friends, laying out the Society in as un- 
favorable and ridiculous a point of view as he well knew 
how. Finding his argument made no impression on my 
mind, he requested I would go with him on the next first- 
day to the chapel of Gray's Inn and hear their chaplain. 
It being his particular request, I consented and attended ; 
but my conflict was so great when there, that I was 
ready to conclude my countenance indicated the state of 
my mind, and that all eyes were upon me. From this 
time I never more attended. 

But my difficulties did not end here, as respected my 
parents, whom I felt an increase of care not wilfully to 
disoblige. Wave after wave arose in my soul. * * 

* * * If I gave up to these convictions of duty, 
my conduct to his customers would not be approved by 
him. Thus the spirit was willing, but the flesh was 
weak, for instead of seeking that Almighty Power for 
help, who I was fully persuaded laid the necessity upon 
me, and firmly mantaining my ground by faithfulness, I 
sunk under discouragement, and to avoid the cross 
I should have to take up if I remained where I was, left 
my situation for one in a Friend's family. — Thomas Shil- 
Mtoe. 



354 DAILY READINGS. 



[Twelfth Month 20. 



" Let us not therefore judge one another any more : but judge this rather, 
that no man put a stumbling-block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.' 1 
—Romans xiv. 13. 

THE great error of mankind in advancing themselves 
into the seat of judgment over another, and most 
commonly in things wherein they have no evidence or 
power, contrary to the doctrines of Christ, and his prac- 
tice and example ; whereby in consequence and the na- 
ture of things, they detrude him from his office, and usurp 
his throne, who said, " Judge not, that ye be not judged ; 
for with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged ; and 
with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you 
again." Even where there may be some seeming appear- 
ance of evil upon others, we are cautioned against judg- 
ing without knowledge or moral certainty. " Judge not 
to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." We 
ought therefore to be very tender and cautious in this 
point, lest whilst we rashly censure others without ade- 
quate evidence, we bring upon ourselves the heavy 
stroke of the righteous judgment of God for our false 
censure of the innocent, whom the Lord hath made and 
preserved of his own good will and pleasure. For as all 
have been sinners, though not in the same manner, as 
such they have no right or authority to judge one another. 
God only, who knows all men and our various motives to 
every thought, word, and deed, can judge rightly among 
us, and of those things between the Lord and the soul, 
and award ways unto all adequate to every state. — 
Thomas Story, died 1742. 



Twelfth Month 21.] DAILY READINGS. 355 

" And they forsook all and followed Him."— Luke v. 2. 

MY mind was exercised with a belief that if I con- 
tinue faithful to Divine requirings, a gift in the 
ministry would be committed to my charge. Earnest 
were my secret cries, in meetings and out of meetings, 
for Divine preservation in the awful work; to be kept 
from running before I was sent, and of over-staying the 
right time when the command was clearly heard, " Go 
forth." About the twenty-fourth year of my age my 
mouth was first opened in a few words, at a meeting 
then held every fifth-day evening, in the Park meeting 
house. O ! the peace I was favored to feel, and which 
continued for some time ; but I found by experience, to 
my great sorrow, that satan can transform himself into 
an angel of light. 

About the year 1790 an apprehension took hold of my 
mind that it was required of me to be willing to leave 
my family and outward concerns, to engage in the work 
of the Lord, which, if I gave up to, would take me a 
considerable time from home. This was a fresh trial of 
my faith in the all-sufficiency of that Power, who, when 
He calls forth, cannot only qualify for the work, but amply 
care for those left behind. I was one day tempted to 
the conclusion that, let the consequences be what they 
might, I must give up all prospect of ever moving in this 
engagement ; but He who knew the sincerity of my heart 
did not leave me in this season of extremity. — Thomas 
Shittitoe, 1790. 



356 DAILY READINGS. [Twelfth Month 29 

" That they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communi- 
cate."—! Tim. vi. 18. 

THE possession of large property not only involves 
the most serious responsibility, but is also con- 
stantly and necessarily accompanied with strong and pe- 
culiar temptations, to which those in humble life are com- 
paratively strangers. The injunction of our blessed Lord 
to the young man who had great possessions, seems the 
only sufficient remedy for that disposition of mind 
which would make the things of this world the chief ob- 
ject of desire and pursuit : " Sell all, and thou shalt have 
treasure in heaven, and come and follow me." I cannot, 
however, entertain any other persuasion, than that the root 
of the evil is, not so much the possession of property, in in- 
stances where the divine blessing has rested on the affairs 
of individuals, as in the undue and inordinate pursuit of 
it, and of the things of this world ; which may and does 
exist in every class of society, of whatever rank, from the 
cottage to the throne ; so that I consider it is the devotion 
of the heart to the acquirement of wealth, and to the 
pleasures of this life, which is so much to be lamented. 

How should my heart glow with gratitude to Him, for 
His abundant mercy towards me, of which I am con- 
strained to confess myself wholly unworthy ; and, oh, 
may the prayer be availing, that when the tribulations 
of this present time are over, my soul may inherit the 
treasures of a blissful eternity, through the merits and 
adorable mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Jonathan 
Backhouse, England, 1842. 



Twelfth Month 23.] DALLY READINGS. 357 

" Thy people shall be a willing people in the day of thy power. 1 *— Psalm, ex. 3. 

MY soul is often bowed in humble contrition, when 
I feel the deplorable state of those w^ho are say- 
ing, in the expressive language of conduct, " we will not 
have this man to rule over us ; " remembering that the 
Lord has pleaded in mercy, not only immediately by the 
revelation of his own pure Spirit, but has caused the 
alarming trumpet to be sounded in Zion by his instru- 
ments, and his judgments for transgressions declared on 
his holy mountain. * * * Are there not those in 
the present day who can say with the mournful prophet : 
"For these things I weep ; mine eye runneth down with 
water " ? Though we are all made abundantly sensible 
that true religion is a heartfelt, individual work, and 
that however solicitous we may feel for the spiritual wel- 
fare one of another, it is not possible for any man to re- 
deem his brother, or give to God a ransom for his soul ; 
yet how does the universal love of our Heavenly Father 
so abound in th%hearts of his disciples that they are made 
willing to spend and be spent in calling to repentance 
and amendment of life. And if, through the efficacy of 
the Lord's mighty powder, such are made instruments in 
His holy hand to turn one soul unto righteousness and 
holiness of life, it will amply compensate for the deep ex- 
ercises and fiery baptisms which I believe accompany ail 
those who are rightly qualified to advocate a cause dig- 
nified with immortality and crowned with eternal life. — 
Thomas Scatter good, 1799. 



358 DAILY READINGS. 



[Twelfth Month 24. 



11 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing 
and making melody in your hearts to the Lord."— Eph. v. 19. 

THE song ended, I desired to be heard a few words, 
which was granted ; and I spoke to this effect : 
That I had once been amongst a people who used to sing 
psalms, and it was a custom among many still. But I 
desired them to consider the foundation of their singing, 
whether it was any part of the worship of God, or that He 
required it of them as such ; and also whether they all 
sung their own conditions : for things might be true in 
the psalmist, which were not so in them. As, for instance, 
a high-minded, proud man singing that he behaves him- 
self as a weaned child in silence and in rest, is not true ; nor 
can any sing aright in that state ; though I did not accuse 
them of pride, but this for instance that the apostle Paul 
says, " I will pray with the spirit, and with the under- 
standing also, " and sing also in like manner ; and speaks 
of making melody in the heart to the Lord in hymns and 
spiritual songs ; but nothing of singing other men's psalms 
without the spirit. And that I had observed in those 
countries, among those who think themselves reformed, 
a great deal of images, pictures, and outward show, and 
also high and lofty instruments of music which had not 
been duly considered in their reformation. This last 
some of them seemed not to relish so well as the former 
part, but none made any answer ; and in general, we had 
the full countenance and approbation of some of their 
teachers, and we parted with them in friendship. — Thomas 
Story, 1744. 



Twelfth Month 25.] DAILY READINGS 359 



"The Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rereward."- 

Isa. lii. 12. 

i 

ART thou in health ? art thou strong in Him who 
goeth before thee, and who hath promised that 
His glory shall be the reward of the number that deal 
prudently, and go not by flight ? How safe do the steps 
of such appear, who have this Glory for a light for their 
feet, and the divinely illuminated lamp to attend their 
feet ! It is no wonder that a way should often open, 
where the human understanding (which is dark and com" 
prehends not the things of the spirit) can see no way, 
and that every necessar} r refreshment should be inter- 
spersed therein. I sometimes think it is a favor, that an 
eye is opened into this path, and that though the ad- 
vancement in it is small, if there be any, yet, thus seeing 
and pressing forward, we may obtain. I hope thou art 
treading this sure ground, and that thy memorials, which 
are brought from the bottom of the purifying waters of 
Jordan, are not hid, or if they be, that it is only for 
their refinement. But perhaps they are like the sling- 
stones which David had ready in his bag, till the ap- 
pointed time of meeting the defier of Israel was come, 
and are to be alike powerful in prevailing against the 
enemies of the poor, and the afflicted people, which may 
be spared in the day of general calamity. But, be this 
as it may, obedience is still to be attended, the pro- 
phet's advice remembered, of not seeking to ourselves 
great things, but to be content with every dispensation, 
whether of want or of plenty. — Sarah Grubby 1779. 



360 DAILY READINGS. [Twelfth Month 26. 

" But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, 
ye endured a great fight of afflictions. 11 — Hebrews x. 32. 

"^VyOTWITHSTANDING more than two centuries 
jL^I have elapsed since the rise of the Society of 
Friends, during which period many treatises explanatory 
of its views have been published, yet at the present day 
there exists a contrariety of opinions respecting the faith 
of the primitive Quakers. This has not arisen from any 
deficiency of full and explicit declarations of their belief, 
for these are numerous, comprehensive, and perspicuous. 
But these declarations lie scattered among a great mass 
of controversial works, written more than a century ago ; 
possessing little of the attractive novelty of modern lit- 
erature, and withal so voluminous, that few persons have 
either the inclination or the leisure to examine their in- 
structive pages. These circumstances, added to their 
great scarcity, have occasioned their being little read, even 
by the members of our own Society ; and hence many are 
not aware of the plain and positive avowal of their Chris- 
tian belief, which our worthy predecessors repeatedly 
made. For many among us have grown up in ignorance 
of those precious doctrines, in support of which their fore- 
fathers endured the heat of cruel persecution, suffered pa- 
tiently the loss of property, imprisonment in loathsome and 
unhealthy dungeons ; and even sealed their testimony with 
the sacrifice of life, rather than renounce the holy profes- 
sion which they had espoused. — Thomas Evans. 

It is a coal from God's altar must kindle our fire, 



Twelfth Month 27.] DAILY READINGS. 361 

" Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord."— Psalm cxxvii. 3. 

I AM now sitting with my dear little cares, watching 
them in their evening's repose. They (as thou justly 
observest) attach us strongly to life ; and without a guard 
over ourselves, we are in danger of centering too much of 
our happiness in them. They may, indeed, in various 
ways, be deemed uncertain blessings ; their lives are very 
precarious, and their future conduct proving as one could 
wish not less doubtful. I already often look forward with 
anxiety, and the most ardent wishes for their welfare, in 
a state of permanent felicity. They are now pretty play- 
things, and pleasing calls of attention, and should be re- 
ceived with grateful hearts as additions to our present 
comfort ; but we should consider that they may be only 
lent for a time. 

We are so incapable of judging with regard to our own 
happiness, or that of others, that it should lead us to a 
patient acquiescence in the Divine will ; a resignation 
which would not only enable us to say, " Thy will be 
done," but to feel that submission of mind which would 
preserve us in calm composure. Things which appear to 
our present unhappiness and disadvantage have fre- 
quently at a future period proved a benefit, and we have 
been led to acknowledge that the Lord only knows what 
is best for us. Suffer us to beseech, O Lord, more and 
more to enlighten us with divine knowledge, and having 
made us sensible of thy will, enable us to obey it. — Mar- 
garet Woods, near London, 1777. 



362 DAILY READINGS. [Twelfth Month 28. 

14 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."— Eph. iv. 
3. 

IT is cheering to see Friends under differing circum- 
stances, each occupying with the gifts intrusted to 
them, though very various one from the other. Whilst 
this is the case, whether possessing the one or the five 
talents, individuals, as well as the church, will prosper, 
and our adorable Head will be glorified by His works. 
And I desire all of us who exhort others may so submit 
to the effectual operation of the fire and the hammer, as 
to hold out the invitation, by our own example, to fol- 
low us as we follow Christ. 

We, who are so far advanced in our course to the grave, 
can not be surprised at finding very increased debility 
to attend these mortal frames in their approach to the 
house appointed for all living. Knowing how little we 
can do, either for ourselves or our dear children, it 
leads us to cling with comfort to the invitation of Him 
who said, " Let thy widow and thy fatherless children 
trust in me ; " and who has promised to be " a father to 
the fatherless, and a judge for the widow ; " surely, then 
we leave them under better care than our own, who can 
and will provide." 

I must consider my present condition a precarious one, 
and life suspended as on a thread, and when infinite wis- 
dom sees meet that it should be cut, may my poor soul, 
through adorable mercy, drop into the arms of its blessed 
Redeemer ! then, will all the desire of my heart for my- 
self be granted me. — Jonathan Backhouse^ 1842. 



Twelfth Month 29.] DAILY READINGS. 363 

" And who is he that will harm you if ye be followers of that which is good." 
—1 Peter iii. 13. 

MANKIND are incident to many troubles and 
temptations in life, but there is a great differ- 
ence between the trouble of mind which ariseth from losses 
and disappointments in the things of the world, and that 
which proceeds from a sense of misconduct, in a course 
inconsistent with duty to God and his known laws. 

This great truth is confirmed in the words of Solo- 
mon : " The spirit of a man may bear his infirmity ; but a 
wounded spirit, who can bear ? " Magnanimous persons 
may sustain for a long time the shocks of bodily ail- 
ments, as likewise of losses and disappointments in life ; but 
when, by our rebellion and disobedience to that holy law 
of life and grace which God in mercy hath placed in us 
for our guide and conductor, with respect to himself and 
towards one another, we wound not only our own con- 
sciences, but crucify to ourselves the Son of God afresh, 
and wound His Holy Spirit in us. Our anxiety must 
needs be incomparably greater in this case than the former. 
Yet such is the unspeakable goodness of God to mankind, 
and the eflicacy of the virtue of that grace that flows 
from Him, that He not only shows us our transgressions 
and the evil of them ; not only the wounds and the sores 
thereby produced ; but as we are truly humble in that 
view, and willing to amend for time to come, He, most 
kind and beneficent, sends forth His healing and restor- 
ing virtue, as emollient ointment, taking away the an- 
guish, and healing all our wounds. — Thomas Story, 1717* 



364 DAILY READINGS. 



[Twelfth Month 30. 



44 Worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains 
of water. 11 — Rev. xiv. 7. 

WE look upon divine worship to be the most solemn 
act the mind of man is capable of being en- 
gaged in, and, in consideration of the high and incon- 
ceivable majesty of Almighty God, think it our duty to 
approach Him with the greatest reverence. Every think- 
ing person, who is in any degree sensible of the love and 
fear of God, must esteem it an awful thing to present 
himself to the especial notice of the Infinite Omnipresent 
Eternal Being. Under a sense of this, the wise man ad- 
viseth : " Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of 
God, and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice 
of fools, for they consider not that they do evil. Be not 
rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty 
to utter anything before God ; for God is in heaven, and 
thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few." He well 
knew, as he expresses it, that both " The preparation of 
the heart and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. " 
This accords with what our Saviour saith : " Without rne, 
ye can do nothing. We, therefore, cannot perform divine 
worship acceptably but by his assistance. This must be 
received in spirit ; for saith the apostle : " The Spirit 
also helpeth our infirmities ; for we know not what we 
should pray for as we ought. This being as certainly 
our case as it was that of the apostles and primitive be- 
lievers, it is incumbent upon us to wait for that Spirit 
which is requisite to help our infirmities, in order to pray 
as we ought. — Thomas Story. 



Twelfth Month 31.] DAILY READINGS. 365 

" And he said unto them, verily I say unto you, that there be some of them 
that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom 
of God come with power. 11 — Mark ix. 1. 

THE day dawning, the night retires, and the sub- 
stance comes, the shadow vanishes. My dear, 
though unknown friend, when the beloved of thy soul 
appears, if the world and the things and friendship and 
glory of it, be not thy beloved, thou will not then mind 
His picture, if it were His picture, nor mind His shadow, 
though He had even said, Look upon this till I come. 
It is true, thou wilt not then contemn His picture when 
He is with thee ; no more do I ; but have a due esteem 
for all He commandeth, in their times, dispensations, 
and ends. Nor do I lightly esteem those who use that 
in imitation with a good intent and sincere mind, but 
pity them that they are come no nearer the kingdom ; 
which though at hand seventeen hundred years ago, is not 
yet come unto those who are set down contented under the 
shade of night, and dreaming of things of which they 
have no knowledge or enjoyment. Go into the sunshine, 
and turn thy face towards the sun, and the shadow will 
be behind thee ; but turn thy back on the sun, and the 
shadow will be before thee ; and the more thou follow- 
est it, the more it will fly thee ; and the more thou goest 
after it, the further from the sun. The kingdom of hea- 
ven is within, and stands not in eating and drinking, nor 
comes with outward observation, but in righteousness 
and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. — Thomas Story, 
1690. 



APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX. 



A BRIEF VIEW OF THE DOCTRINES OF 
CHRISTIANITY. 



AS PLAINLY DECLARED IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, EMBRACED AND PROMUL- 
GATED BY OUR FOREFATHERS, AND STILL HELD BY THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 



We believe in one only wise, omnipotent, and ever- 
lasting God, the Creator and upholder of all things, 
visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, by 
whom are all things, the Mediator between God and 
man. Although we have rejected the terms of separate 
and distinct persons in the Godhead, we have ever be- 
lieved, and as constantly maintained, the truth of that 
great and mysterious doctrine of the " three that bear 
record in heaven : the Father, the Word, and the Holy 
Ghost ; and [that] these three are one " — one God, infi- 
nite, eternal, and incomprehensible, and blessed for ever- 
more. 

CONCERNING OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 

We believe in Christ Jesus, the beloved and only 
begotten Son of God, who was conceived of the Holy 
Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary, and that in Him we 



3T0 APPENDIX. 

have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness 
of sins. 

We also believe that He was made a sacrifice for sin, 
who knew no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth ; 
that He was crucified for mankind, in the flesh ; that He 
was buried, and rose again the third day for our justifi- 
cation, and that He ascended up into Heaven, and now 
sitteth at the right hand of God, our Mediator, Advocate, 
and Intercessor. 

We believe in the divinity and manhood of the Lord 
Jesus, and that His sacrifice of Himself upon the cross 
was a propitiation and atonement for the sins of the 
whole world; and that the remission of sins which any 
partake of, is only in, and by virtue of, that most 
satisfactory sacrifice. 

OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

We believe also in the Holy Spirit, or Comforter, the 
promise of the Father, whom Christ declared He would 
send in His name, to lead and guide His followers into all 
truth, to teach them all things, and to bring all things 
to their remembrance. 

We believe that a manifestation of this Spirit is given 
to every man to profit withal ; that He convicts for sin, 
and, as obeyed, gives power to the soul to evercome and 
forsake it. He opens to the mind the mysteries of 
salvation, enables it to understand the truths recorded 
in the Holy Scriptures, and gives it the living, practical, 



APPENDIX. 371 

and heartfelt experience of those things which pertain 
to its everlasting welfare. 

We believe that the saving knowledge of God and 
Christ cannot be obtained in any other way than by the 
revelation of His Spirit ; — for the apostle says, " What 
man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man 
which is in him ? Even so the things of God knoweth 
no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, 
not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God, 
that we might know the things that are freely given to 
us of God." As, therefore, the things which properly 
appertain to man, cannot be discerned by any lower 
principle than the spirit of man ; so those things which 
properly relate to God and Christ, cannot be known by 
any power inferior to that of the Holy Spirit. 

OF THE FALL OF MAN. 

We believe that man was created in the image of God, 
capable of understanding the divine law, and of holding 
communion with his Maker. Through transgression he 
fell from this blessed state, and lost the heavenly image. 
His posterity come into the world in the image of the 
earthly man ; and, until renewed by the quickening and 
regenerating power of the heavenly man, Christ Jesus, 
manifested in the soul, they are fallen, degenerated, and 
dead to the divine life in which Adam originally stood, 
and are subject to the power, nature, and seed of the 
serpent. 



372 APPENDIX. 

But while we hold these views of the lost condition of 
man in the fall, we do not believe that sin is imputed to 
any until they transgress the divine law, after sufficient 
capacity has been given to understand it. Hence, chil- 
dren cannot be sinners from their birth, as some allege ; 
yet as they inherit the seed of sin, so through Jesus 
Christ they are heirs of grace, and partake of the benefits 
of the sacrifice made for the sins of the world, being 
saved by the atonement of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ. 

OF THE RESTORATION OF MAN AND OF JUSTIFICATION. 

We believe that the great design of our Almighty 
Creator, in sending his beloved Son into the world, was 
for the redemption of man from the fall ; that he might 
be restored into unity and fellowship with Him. For 
this end he hath communicated to every man a measure 
of that light and grace which came by Jesus Christ, 
which, as it is received, works the salvation of all, even 
of those who are ignorant of Adam's fall, and of the death 
and sufferings of Christ. 

To those who receive this light, and walk therein, it 
becomes in them a holy, pure, and spiritual life, bringing 
forth holiness, righteousness, and purity, and all those 
blessed fruits which are acceptable to God, and by which 
we are sanctified in the sight of God, according to the 
apostle's words : " But ye are washed, but ye are sanc- 
tified, but ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, 



APPENDIX. 373 

and by the Spirit of our God." The same apostle says : 
" Not by works of righteousness which we have done, 
but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing 
of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost ; which 
He shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our 
Saviour ; that, being justified by His grace, we should be 
made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." 

If justification be considered in its full extent, neither 
Christ's work without us, in the prepared body, nor His 
work within us, by His Holy Spirit, is to be excluded ; 
for both have their place and service in our complete 
justification. By the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ 
without us, we, truly repenting and believing, are, 
through the mercy of God, justified from the imputation 
of sins and transgressions that are past; and by the 
mighty work of Christ within us, the power, nature and 
habits of sin are destroyed ; that, as sin once reigned 
unto death, even so now grace reigneth, through right- 
eousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. 

OF THE RESURRECTION. 

Concerning the resurrection of the dead, what the 
Holy Scriptures plainly declare and testify in these 
matters, we have been always ready to embrace. How- 
beit, we esteem it very unnecessary to dispute or question 
how the dead are raised, or with what body they come ; 
but rather submit that to the wisdom and pleasure of 
Almighty God. 



374 APPENDIX. 

Upon this interesting subject it is sufficient to refer tc 
the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the writ- 
ings of the Apostles upon it. 

OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 

We believe the Holy Scriptures were written by divine 
inspiration, and contain a declaration of all the funda- 
mental doctrines relating to eternal life and salvation ; 
and whatever doctrine or practice is contrary to them, 
is to be rejected as false and erroneous; that they are a 
declaration of the mind and will of God to man. 

We believe they were written for our learning, that 
we, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, 
might have hope ; and that they are able to make wise 
unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 
We look upon them as the only fit outward judge and 
test of controversies among Christians, and are willing 
that all our doctrines and practices should be tried by 
them, freely admitting that whatsoever any do, pretend- 
ing to the Spirit, which is contrary to the Scriptures, be 
condemned as a delusion. 

As there is one Lord and one faith, so there is one 
baptism. We believe it is the cleansing operation of the 
holy spirit in the heart, subduing its froward nature, and 
bringing it into conformity to the divine will. 

The distinction between the baptism of John and that 
of Christ by the Spirit is clearly set forth : " I indeed bap- 
tize you with water unto repentance ; but He that cometh 



APPENDIX. 375 

after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not wor- 
thy to bear : He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost 
and with fire : whose fan is in His hand, and He will 
thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into 
the garner ; but He will burn up the chaff with un- 
quenchable fire." 

True Christian baptism is the work of Christ himself ; 
whereby the soul is baptized into His spirit, and adorned 
with His virtues ; for, " as many as are baptized into 
Christ have put on Christ ; " and " if any man be in 
Christ, he is a new creature : old things are passed away, 
behold all things are become new, and all things of God. 



OF THE SUPPER. 

Respecting the communion of Christ, we believe it is 
inward and spiritual, by which the inward man is 
daily nourished in the heart of those in whom Christ 
dwells, of which the breaking of bread by the Lord 
Jesus, with his disciples, at the last Jewish passover supper 
previous to his crucifixion, was a figure. We believe the 
essential communion between Christ and his church, is 
only maintained by a participation of His divine nature, 
through faith and obedience, and is the supper alluded 
to in the Revelations : " Behold I stand at the door and 
knock ; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I 
will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with 
me." 



376 APPENDIX. 

OF WORSHIP. 

Being fully persuaded that man, without the Spirit of 
Christ inwardly revealed, can do nothing to the glory of 
God, or to effect his own salvation, we believe that this 
divine influence is essentially necessary to the perform- 
ance of the highest act of which the human mind is ca* 
pable — the worship of Almighty God in spirit and in 
truth — which is no less than holding intercourse with the 
Father of spirits, and offering the tribute of homage and 
adoration to the high and lofty One, who inhabiteth 
Eternity, whose name is Holy, but who condescends 
also to dwell with him that is of a contrite and humble 
spirit. As God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him 
must worship Him in spirit and in truth, acceptable wor- 
ship cannot be offered but through the assistance of the 
Spirit of Christ, He being our Mediator, by whom only 
we can approach unto God, and from whom we must de- 
rive, for this engagement, both the preparation of the 
heart and the answer of the tongue. In order to experi- 
ence this necessary qualification, it is our duty to have 
the mind withdrawn from all outward objects, and rever- 
ently and humbly to wait upon the Lord in the silence of 
all flesh ; that so he may be pleased, through the reve- 
lation of His spirit, to give us a true sense of our needs, 
and a knowledge of His will, and enable us to present an 
offering well pleasing in His sight. Those who thus wait 
upon the Lord, and depend upon the assistance of His 
spirit, however small their number or solitary their situ- 



APPENDIX. 377 

ation, are the true worshippers, whom the Father seeketh 
to worship Him. 

OP MINISTRY. 

As it is the prerogative of the great Head of the 
Church alone, to select and call the ministers of His 
Gospel, so we believe both the gift and qualification to 
exercise it must be derived immediately from Him ; and 
that, as in the primitive church, so now also, He confers 
them on women as well as on men, agreeably to the 
prophecy recited by the apostle Peter : " It shall come to 
pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my 
Spirit upon all flesh ; and your sons and your daughters 
shall prophesy ;" respecting which the apostle declares : 
" the promise is unto you and to your children, and to all 
that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall 
call." As this gift is freely received, so it is to be freely 
exercised, in simple obedience to the will of God. 

The apostle Paul, in speaking of his ministry, declares : 
" I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, 
but by the revelation of Jesus Christ ;" that the exercise 
of it was not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, 
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; and that his speech 
and his preaching was not with enticing words of man's 
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power ; 
that the faith of his hearers might not stand in the wisdom 
of men, but in the power of God. All the Apostles and true 
ministers in the church of Christ were and are so called 



378 APPENDIX. 

and qualified ; even those who had been the companions 
of Christ in the flesh were commanded to tarry at Jerusa- 
lem, till they were endued with power from on high ; 
clearly proving that nothing but power from on high, 
renewedly furnished, can enable men to preach the Gos- 
pel. 



OF PRAYER. 

Although we are commanded to watch and pray con- 
tinually, neither of which can be done without divine help, 
yet we believe that the solemn duty of vocal prayer re- 
quires a special impulse, and, in our addresses to the throne 
of Grace, it becomes us to remember that we are but dust, 
that He who is glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, 
doing wonders, should be approached with holy fear and 
reverence. 

We are emboldened to draw near to Him in living 
faith, for the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities ; for we 
know not what we should pray for as we ought. He 
that searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is the mind of 
the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints, 
according to the will of God. 

Our Lord, when personally on earth, adverted particu- 
larly to this subject. How short and simple, yet how 
comprehensive, is the prayer which He commended to 
His disciples in His sermon on the mount ! 



APPENDIX. 379 

OP WAE. 

War results from and encourages the evil passions of 
the human mind. It conflicts with and is a violation of 
the principles, precepts and injunctions of the Gospel, 
which breathes peace on earth and good will toward 
men. It is entirely incompatible with the commands of 
our holy Redeemer : " I say unto you, that ye resist not 
evil " — " Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, 
do good to them which despitefully use you and per- 
secute you, that ye may be the children of your Fa- 
ther which is in heaven : for he maketh His sun to rise 
on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just 
and on the unjust." 

We believe that the emphatic prayer of our Lord : 
" forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors," and 
His declaration : " if ye forgive not men their trespasses, 
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses," con- 
tinue of binding force upon every professor of the re- 
ligion of the Prince of Peace. 

And we believe that no divine injunction or command, 
that is binding upon individuals, under the Christian dis- 
pensation, can be abrogated, or rendered void, by any 
number of individuals in a collective capacity, as nations 
or otherwise. 

The reign of Jesus Christ is particularly distinguished 
by its benign influence upon the heart of man, regulat- 
ing his passions and propensities, and inspiring him with 
love to God and towards the whole human family. The 



380 APPENDIX. 

prophet Isaiah, in the openings of heavenly light, foresaw 
the coming and government of the Prince of Peace, and 
emphatically describes its peaceable effects in these words : 
" The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard 
shall lie down with the kid, and the calf, and the young 
lion, and the fatling together, and a little child shall 
lead them. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my 
holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowl- 
edge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." 

OF OATHS. 

In regard to oaths, we believe we are bound by the 
express command of our Lord : " Swear not at all, but let 
your communication be yea, yea, nay, nay ; for whatso- 
ever is more than these cometh of evil ; " and that of the 
apostle James : " But above all things, my brethren, 
swear not ; neither by heaven, neither by the earth, nei- 
ther by any other oath ; but let your yea be yea, and 
your nay, nay, lest ye fall into condemnation ; " and 
therefore we refuse, for conscience sake, either to ad- 
minister or take an oath. 



POETRY. 



333 



THE LITTLE WHILE. 

44 What is this that he saith, A little while ? "--John xvi. 18. 
Oh ! for the peace which floweth as a river, 

Making life's desert places bloom and smile ; 
Oh ! for the faith to grasp heaven's bright " for ever," 

Amid the shadows of earth's " little while ! " 

" A little while," for patient vigil keeping, 
To face the stern, to wrestle with the strong ; 

" A little while," to sow the seed with weeping, 
Then bind the sheaves and sing the harvest song. 

•' A little while," to wear the weeds of sadness, 
To pace, with weary step, through miry ways ; 

Then to pour forth the fragrant oil of gladness, 
And clasp the grdlc round the robe of praise. 

" A little while,'' midst shadow and illusions, 
To strive by faith, love's mysteries to spell ; 

Then — read each dark enigma's bright solution ; 
Then — hail sight's verdict, " He doth all things well.' 

" A little while," the earthen pitcher taking 
To wayside brooks, from far-off fountains fed ; 

Then the cool lip its thirst for ever slaking, 
Beside the fulness of the Fountain-head. 

" A little while" to keep the oil from failing ; 

" A little while" faith's flickering lamp to trim ; 
And then, the Bridegroom's coming footstep hailing, 

To haste to meet Him with the bridal hymn. 

And He, who is Himself the Gift and Giver, 
The future glory and the present smile, 

With the bright promise of the glad " for ever," 
Will light the shadows of the " little while." 

Jane Crewdsok. 



384 



SAFE m HEAVEN. 

When worldly sorrows overwhelm, 

And worldly hope her trust betrays, 
I think upon that golden realm 

Whose Eden-glory ne'er decays ; 
I call to mind that Angel band 

For whom the chains of Earth are riven- 
Companions o'er life's desert sand — 

The Early Called, now safe in Heaven. 

O Stars gone out in morning's light ! 

Redeemed to Joy's unclouded clime, 
We linger till the noon and night, 

Along the stormy coasts of Time, 
Your shining troop, that fairer shore 

Illumes, to guide us, tempest-driven, 
When haply soon, our wanderings o'er, 

We'll join your anthem — safe in Heaven. 

Edward Brown. 



The following lines, the author's last, were dictated by her af- 
ter a day of intense suffering : 

Oh ! Saviour ! I have nought to plead, 
In earth beneath, or heaven above ; 

But first my own exceeding need, 
And thy exceeding love. 

The need will soon be past and gone, 
Exceeding great, but quickly o'er : 

The love unbought is all thine own, 
And lasts for evermore ! 

Jane Crewdson. 



385 



PEACE, BE STILL. 

" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea ; and there was a great 
calm. 1 '— Matthew viii. 26. 

One word from Thee, my Saviour, 

Would hush the storm to rest ; 
And calm the rolling waves that sweep 

Across this troubled breast. 

One look would pour down sunshine, 

Upon the midnight deep ; 
I know thou art on board my barque, 

And yet thou seem'st to sleep. 

I hear the surging billows ! 

The ship begins to fill ! 
And yet I hear no loving voice, 

Which speaketh, " Peace, be still." 

When, when wilt Thou awaken, 

And smooth the troubled wave ? 
Oh ! can'st Thou not ? we perish, Lord, 

Unless Thou rise and save. 

Yet midst the toss and tumult, 

I clasp a saving arm ; 
And clinging to its strength, the storm 

Is safer than the calm ! 

No bark hath ever foundered, 

With such a Friend on board, 
No soul was ever cast away 

With such a Saviour, Lord. 

Jane Cretwdson. 



386 
THE QUAKER OF THE OLDEK TIME. 

AN ARGUMENT FOR FREE PRODUCE. 

The Quaker of the olden time ! — 

How calm, and firm, and true I 
Unspotted by its wrong and crime, 

He walked the dark earth through ! 
The lust of power, the love of gain, 

The thousand lures of sin 
Around him, had no power to stain 

The purity within. 

With that deep insight, which detects 

All great things in the small, 
And knows how each man's life affects 

The spiritual life of all, 
He walked by faith and not by sight, 

By love and not by law ; — 
The presence of the wrong or right, 

He rather felt than saw. 

He felt that wrong with wrong partakes, 

That nothing stands alone, 
That whoso gives the motive, makes 

His brother's sin his own. 
And pausing not for doubtful choice 

Of evils great or small, 
He listened to that inward voice 

Which called away from all. 

Oh ! spirit of that early day ! 

So pure and strong and true, 
Be with us in the narrow way 

Our faithful fathers knew. 



387 

Give strength the evil to forsake, 

The cross of Truth to bear, 
And love and reverent fear to make 

Our daily lives a prayer ! 

J. G. Whittibr. 



QUAKER WORTHIES. 

George Fox, George Fox, 

The munition of rocks 
Was thy shield in the hot day of battle, 

At the flash of thy sword, 

In the name of the Lord, 
Thy foes were as dumb, driven cattle. 

William Penn, William Penn, 

In the annals of men, 
Thy fame stands as true as the dial ; 

Some Macaulay may think 

He can dip thee in ink, 
But he blackens himself by the trial. 

Robert Barclay, brave Barclay, 

If, through a glass, darkly, 
Thy spirit our progress has heeded, 

We fear it may seem 

That for us down the stream, 
There's another apology needed ! 

Edward Brown. 



388 
A MEMORIAL OF MARY DYER. 

ONE OP THE EARLY WORTHIES AND MARTYRS IN THE 
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 

We, too, have had our martyrs. Such wert thou, 
Illustrious woman ! though the starry crown 

Of martyrdom has sate on many a brow, 
In the world's eye, of far more wide renown. 

Yet the same spirit grac'd thy fameless end, 
Which shone in Latimer and his compeers ; 

Upon whose hallow'd memories still attend 
Manhood's warm reverence, childhood's guileless tears. 

Well did they win them : may they keep them long ! 

Their names require not praise obscure as mine ; 
Nor does my muse their cherish' d memories wrong, 

By this imperfect aim to honor thine. 

Heroic martyr of a sect despis'd ! 

Thy name and memory to my heart are dear, 
Thy fearless zeal, in artless childhood priz'd, 

The lapse of years has taught me to revere. 

Thy Christian worth demands no poet's lay, 
Historian's pen, nor sculptor's boasted art: 

What could the brightest tribute these can pay 
To thy immortal spirit now impart ? 

Yet seems it like a sacred debt to give 
The brief memorial thou mayst well supply ; 

Whose life displayed how Christians ought to live ; 
Whose death— how Christian martyrs calmly die. 

Bernard Barton. 



389 



THE SHEPHERD'S VOICE. 

"My sheep hear my voice."— John x. 27. 

Oh ! for a finely tun&d ear, 

The Shepherd's voice to hear and know ; 
Both when it speaks distinct and clear, 

And when it whispers soft and low ! 

An ear to heed each warning word, 

To hearken for each gracious tone ; 
And when the " stranger's" voice is heard, 

To know it from the Shepherd's own. 

But oh ! when doubts and fears shall dim 
The pathway of the Shepherd's choice, 

'Tis they who walk most close to Him, 
Who best can hear His guiding voice. 

'Tis they whose path is safe from harm, 
'Tis they, who know the good from ill ; 

And, strengthened by His mighty arm, 
Are strong to do His holy will. 

Then grant me, Lord, the listening ear, 
And grant the Heaven-directed eye ; 

The faith that waits Thy voice to hear, 
The love that keeps me ever nigh. 

Jane Crbwdson. 



390 



LINES 

SUGGESTED BY SEEING A LITTLE GIRL READING HER BIBLE ON 
THE STEP OF A DOOR IN THE STREET. 

Can'st thou, sweet child of hope, so soon forego 
The playful sports thy young companions love, 

And, whilst mature minds are fixed below, 
Raise thy first wishes to the realms above? 

Whilst on the cares or joys of life intent, 

Each eager step unheeded passes by, 
On thee, in tender love and hope, is bent 

Thy Father's ear — thy God's approving eye. 

Oh ! lovely pattern of that infant race, 
To whom the Saviour's blessing once was given, 

When He declared, this His redeeming grace, 
Of such as thee should be the saints in Heaven. 

Charlotte Dudley. 



THE NEGLECTED CALL. 

When the fields were white to harvest, and the laborers were few, 
Heard I thus a voice within me, " here is work for thee to do ; 
Come thou up, and help the reapers, I will show thee now the 

way, 
Come and help them bear the burden and the toiling of the day." 
44 For a more convenient season," thus I answered, " will I wait." 
And the voice reproving murmured, " hasten, ere it be too late." 

Yet I heeded not the utterance, listening to lo ! here — lo ! there— 
I lost sight of all the reapers in whose work I would not share ; 



391 



Followed after strange devices— bowed my heart to gods of 

stone, 
Till like Ephraim joined to idols, God well-nigh left me alone ; 
But the angel of His patience followed on my erring track, 
Setting here and there a landmark, wherewithal to guide me 

back. 

Onward yet I went, and onward, till there met me on the way, 

A poor prodigal returning, who, like me, had gone astray, 

And his faith was strong and earnest, that a father's house would 

be 
Safest shelter from temptation, for such sinful ones as he ; 
11 Read the lesson," said the angel, " take the warning and re 

pent," 
But the wily Tempter queried, " ere thy substance be unspent? 

Hast thou need to toil and labor ? art thou fitted for the work ? 
Many a hidden stone to bruise thee, in the harvest field doth 

lurk; 
There are others called beside thee— and perchance the voice may 

be, 
But thy own delusive fancy, which thou hearest calling thee — 
There is time enough before thee, all thy footsteps to retrace." 
Then I yielded to the Tempter — and the angel veiled her face. 

Pleasure beckoned in the distance, and her syren song was sweet, 
" Through a thornless path of flowers, gently I will guide thy 

feet; 
Youth is as a rapid river, gliding noiselessly away, 
Earth is but a pleasant garden ; cull its roses whilst thou may ; 
Press the juice from purple clusters, fill life's chalice with the 

wine, 
Taste the fairest fruits which tempt thee, all its richest fruits are 

thine." 



392 



Ah ! the path was smooth and easy — but a snare was set therein, 
And the feet were oft entangled in the fearful mesh of sin, 
And the canker worm was hidden in the rose-leaf folded up, 
And the sparkling wine of pleasure was a fatal Circean cup ; 
All its fruits were Dead Sea apples, tempting only to the sight, 
Fair, yet filled with dust and ashes — beautiful, but touched with 
blight. 

11 Oh ! my Father," cried I inly, " Thou hast striven— I have 

willed, 
Now the mission of the angel of Thy patience is fulfilled ; 
I have tasted earthly pleasures, yet my soul is craving food. 
Let the summons Thou hast given to Thy harvest be renewed ; 
I am ready now to labor — wilt Thou call me once again ? 
I will join Thy willing reapers as they garner up the grain." 

But the still small voice within me, earnest in its truth and deep, 
Answered my awakened conscience, " As thou so west thou shalt 

reap; 
God is just, and retribution follows each neglected call; 
Thou hadst thy appointed duty taught thee by the Lord of all. 
Thou wert chosen — but another filled the place assigned to 

thee, 
Henceforth in my field of labor thou mayst but a gleaner be. 

" But a work is still before thee— see thou linger not again, 
Separate the chaff thou gleanest, beat it from among the grain. 
Follow after these my reapers, let thine eyes be on the field, 
Gather up the precious handfuls their abundant wheat-sheaves 

yield ; 
Go not hence to glean, but tarry from morning until night, 
Be thou faithful, thou mayst yet find favor in thy Master's sight." 

H. Lloyd. 



393 

"TELLE EST LA VIE." 

Dost thou see yon air bark by the billows upborne, 
Her canvass all filled with the fresh breeze of morn ? 
How she shines in the sunbeam, and dashes the spray 
From her prow, as she steadily goes on her way ; 
Whilst visions of joy o'er her mariners come, 
Of the heart-cheering welcome that waits them at home. 
Dost thou see her ?— all gladness, all grace and all motion, 
Like a sea-bird at play on the lap of the ocean. 

Mark her well, — wind may come yet, — above her are cloud? 

Already the hollow breeze sounds in her shrouds ; 

The gale blows ahead,— she has shifted her course, 

She reefs in her mainsail, and bends to its force ; 

O'er her slippery deck, see the rude surges sweep, 

There ! now she is lost in the swell of the deep ; 

Again she ascends on the crest of the wave, 

Now plunges down headlong, as seeking her grave. 

Such is life !— the young mariner views with delight 
His fast-sailing vessel, well freighted and tight. 
Crowds on all his canvas, steers right for his port, 
Nor deems that the tempest shall make him its sport. 
It comes ; and the billows rise high to overwhelm, 
His wave-beaten bark will not answer her helm, 
She drives towards the breakers, all human aid vain, 
The force of that wild-dashing surge to restrain. 

Such the voyage of life ! can it prosperous be, 
Without that great Pilot who governs the sea ? 
Ask thy Saviour to take but the helm in his hand, 
Trust not thy own wisdom, give Him the command. 



391 



All-gracious to hear thee, all-mighty to save, 
His voice can speak peace to the wind and the wave, 
He would steer thee in safety amid the rude blast, 
And bring thee with joy to the haven at last. 



Maria Fox. 



THOUGHTS IN A RELIGIOUS MEETING. 

Though few in number, Father, Lord ! 

Still in thy name we come, 
To wait for thy inteaching word, 

Though human lips be dumb; 
Though neither sad nor joyful tone 

Be lent to mortal ear, 
Thou, thou, who knowest the heart alone, 

Wilt kindly listen here. 

The while a cold and formal throng, 

We seem to mortal eye, 
Thou knowest full many a grateful song, 

And many a burdened sigh, 
And heartfelt piayers for strength and grace, 

To walk from error free, 
Rise from this silent gathering place, 

In sounds of power to thee. 

The few that here are wholly thine, 

Who tread the narrow way, 
Told not by outward seal or sign, 

Of their baptismal day ; 
Thou only knowest the way and time 

Their covenant begun, 
Thou only, when they seek sublime 

Communion with Thy Son. 



395 



Join me to these, as deep to deep, 

Their way be still my choice ; 
My soul e'en as an infant keep, 

That knows its parent's voice. 
While others labor in thy cause 

With words of power and skill, 

Be it but mine to know thy laws, 

To love thee and be still. 

Avis & Howland. 



SAFE AT SEA. 

M WE ABE AS SAFE AT SEA — SAFER IN THE STORM THAT GOD 

SENDS US, THAN IN A CALM WHEN WE ARE 

BEFRIENDED BY THE WORLD. 

Hast thou heard the loud roar of the turbulent ocean, 
When the wintry wind over its bosom has passed, 

When the angry waves raged in their wildest commotion, 
And death seemed to ride on the wings of the blast ? 

Hast thou seen the frail bark in that moment of anguish, 
Now aloft on the billow, now whelmed in the surge, 

When the hopes of the hard- toiling mariner languish, 
And the hollow gale sounds in his ear like a dirge ? 

'Tis the moment of mercy — his efforts all failing, 
She appears and the tempest subsides at her will ; 

Her voice, o'er the tumult of waves, is prevailing, 
As she breathes the soft accents of— Peace ! be ye still. 

Go on, then, thou sea-beaten vessel ; and borrow 
New light from this darkness, new hope from this fear, 

Let thy peril to-day teach thee trust for to-morrow, 
In storm or in sunshine, thy Saviour is near. 

Maria Fox. 



396 



LINES 

ON THE RETURN OF THE COMET IN 1835, AFTER AN ABSENCE OF 
SEVENTY-FIYE YEARS. 

And art thou here, thou wondrous orb of light ? 

And hast thou brought us tidings from afar ? 
Who, in thy marvelous and viewless flight, 

Hast crossed the path of planet and of star. 

Say, didst thou with those sister worlds converse, 
That roll harmonious round our central sun ? 

Canst thou not aught of them or theirs rehearse ? 
Tell us what hath been said, or thought, or done, 

Since they were launched in trackless fields of space, 

By an all-mighty and all-bounteous hand ? 
Do they contain a vile or sinless race ? 

Rebellious, or obeying God's command ? 

Basking at will in heaven's unclouded light, 

Breathing the free and yet untainted air ; 
Or feeling sin's sharp tooth and sorrow's blight, 

As we poor fallen sons of Adam are ? 

Threescore and fifteen years their course have sped, 
Since thou our little speck of earth didst see, 

And they are numbered with the silent dead, 
Who then did lift their eyes to gaze on thee. 

Fields have been fought, and kings uncrowned, since then, 
Despots subdued, and throned again in power ; 

War hath made havoc of the sons of men, 
And blood hath flowed in torrents, since that hour. 

Yet dark as are the lines of history's page, 
E'en we can speak of sunshine from above ; 

On us hath shone a star, from age to age, 
Whose beams are purest light, and truth, and love. 



397 



That star, which first arose on Bethlehem's plain, 
From east to west its cheering ray hath given ; 

It tells of peace restored, of freedom's reign, 
And opes a brighter paradise in heaven, 

Where the redeemed of earth, in ceaseless strain, 
Shall sing the triumph of their Saviour's power, 

When thou, fair comet, with thy radiant train, 
And all yon starry host, are seen no more. 



Maria Fox. 



ON SILENT WORSHIP. 

Let deepest silence all around 

Its peaceful shelter spread ; 
So shall that living word abound, 

The word that wakes the dead. 

How sweet to wait upon the Lord 

In stillness and in prayer ! 
What though no preacher speak the word, 

A minister is there. 

A minister of wondrous skill 

True graces to impart : 
He teaches all the Father's will, 

And preaches to the heart. 

He dissipates the coward's fears, 

And bids the coldest glow ; 
He speaks ; and lo ! the softest tears 

Of deep contrition flow. 

He knows to bend the heart of steel, 

He bows the loftiest soul ; 
O'er all we think and all we feel, 

How matchless His control ! 



398 

And ah ! how precious is His love, 

In tenderest touches given : 
It whispers of the bliss above, 

And stays the soul on heaven. 

From mind to mind, in streams of joy. 

The holy influence spreads ; 
Tis peace, 'tis praise without alloy, 

For God that influence sheds. 

'Twas thus, where God himself is known 

To shine without a cloud, 
The angel myriads round His throne, 

In solemn silence bow'd. 

And all were still and silent long, 

Nor dared one note to raise, 
Till burst the vast ecstatic song, 

And heaven was fill'd with praise. 



J. J. G. 



THOUGHTS m A PLACE OF WORSHIP. 

This is the place for solemn thought ; 

Here prayer on silence steals ! 
And here His word, with healing fraught, 

God to the soul reveals. 

Watching and waiting at Thy throne, 

Me, Lord, again behold : 
Then deign to make Thy presence known, 

And call me to Thy fold. 

Far from the wheat the chaff remove, 

The gold from dross set free, 
Till naught remain, save that pure love, 

Which lifts the soul to Thee. A. Opib. 



399 



STEPHEN GRELLET. 

Grellet, the glorious river of thy life 

Has reached its goal in the immortal sea. 

Thine was the power of conquest — not the strife; 

For God, to do His pleasure, worked in thee. 

Prepared and blest thy labors ; and thine eye, 

Was ever to thy Master ; and thy soul 

Overflowed to all with his reclaiming Love. 

In thee were joined the Eagle and the Dove : 

As a brave torrent, born in mountains high, 

Leaps through romantic gorges, scorns control, 

Wast thou, till God's sweet voice o'ercame thy soul, 

And led thee through the wide world's winding vales, 

Where cot, and dungeon, and the kingly hall 

Heard, in thy Saviour's name, thy bold, love-pleading call! 

Love-pleading call ! 

Edward Brown, 1855. 



"HINDER ME NOT." 

Traveler! whither away so fast? 
The break of morn is scarcely past ; 
Thou hast hours enough before thee yet, 
To reach thy goal ere yon sun be set ; 
Regions of beauty around thee lie, 
Pass them not unheeded by. 

Stranger ! mark well that orb on high, 
Far it hath climbed the clear blue sky, 
Since first it rose on my eager sight, 
Bathing yon hills in a flood of light : 
Short is the distance I've come, and soon 
The sun will have gained the height of noon. 



400 



Traveler ! cast one glance around, 

Where'er thou shalt turn, 'tis fairy ground, 

Rest thee awhile in the shadowing bowers, 

'Mid the music of birds and the perfume of flowers ; 

Visions of gladness around thee shall play, 

Thy journey is toilsome, and thorny thy way. 

Stranger! my journey is toilsome, 'tis true, 

But its glorious end I have ever in view ; 

No charms of this earth for one moment compare 

With the mansions of mercy prepared for us there; 

Then tell me no more of the shade of these bowers, 

Of the richness of fruits, of the fragrance of flowers ; — 

I may not thus linger, — yon sun, how he gains ! 

His meridian heat he already attains ; 

He will quickly descend, and the cloud-curtained west, 

Arrayed in new splendors, receive him to rest. 

I must speed with the ardor of faith and of love, 

My rest is on high, — my best home is above. — Maria Fox. 



THE END. 



1* xtt I < 



